Clinical Manifestations of the Unperforated Aortic Sinus Aneurysm

Abstract

The aortic sinuses (of Valsalva) lie deep within the heart at the root of the aorta and are invisible with conventional X-ray. Angiocardiography permits clear visualization of the aortic sinuses. Nineteen patients with unperforated aortic sinus aneurysms, 9 congenital and 10 acquired (syphilitic), were discovered. Linear or massive calcifications in the intracardiac portion of the root of the aorta continuous with the linear calcifications of the ascending aorta sometimes occur in syphilitic aortic sinus aneurysms. Accordingly a high index of suspicion and angiocardiography are advocated in order to establish the diagnosis during life. Surgical repair of a localized congenital aortic sinus aneurysm through the right atrial approach seems feasible if there are no serious complicating aortic or cardiac lesions.