Ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysms – our surgical experience of 7 years

INTRODUCTION: Aneurysms of sinuses of Valsalva are rare aortic anomalies having an incidence of 1.4–4.94% in the Asian population. Spontaneous rupture is the most common complication and ruptured aneurysms usually present with congestive cardiac failure. AIM: Our study was aimed at evaluating the clinical profile of patients with ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysms (RSOVA) and their distribution, the surgical management and post-operative course. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively identified 21 patients who presented to us with RSOVA over a period of 7 years and underwent surgery for the same. RESULTS: RSOVA was more common in young males. Most cases involved the right coronary sinus (RCS) followed by the non-coronary sinus (NCS). The site of rupture was mostly the right ventricular outflow tract or the right atrium. All patients had a relatively asymptomatic post-operative course in the ward. On follow-up, most of the patients were symptom free. CONCLUSIONS: Surgery on cardiopulmonary bypass with moderate hypothermia with excision of windsock deformity and patching of the rupture site is a safe method of treating ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysms. Patients need to be followed up regularly to monitor for the development of aortic regurgitation.