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International Journal of Radiology & Medical Imaging Volume 2 (2016), Article ID 2:IJRMI-111, 5 pages
https://doi.org/10.15344/2456-446X/2016/111
Case Report
Usefulness of Computed Tomography in the Diagnosis of Ruptured Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysm

Hack-Lyoung Kim1,4*, Kwang Nam Jin2,4, Jae-Sung Choi3,4 and Joo-Hee Zo1,4

1Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
2Department of Radiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
3Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
4Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
Dr. Hack-Lyoung Kim, Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Boramae Medical Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine,20, Boramae-ro 5-gil,Dongjak-gu, Seoul 07061, Korea, Tel: +82-2-870-3235; E-mail: khl2876@gmail.com
03 January 2016; 04 July 2016; 06 July 2016
Kim HL, Jin KN, Choi JS, Zo JH (2016) Usefulness of Computed Tomography in the Diagnosis of Ruptured Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysm. Int J Radiol Med Imag 2: 111. doi: https://doi.org/10.15344/2456-446X/2016/111

Abstract

Rupture of sinus of Valsalva aneurysm (SVA) is a fatal complication, and early detection and immediate surgical correction is critical for lifesaving. However, achieving its definite diagnosis is challenging. Computed tomography (CT) can provide excellent diagnostic value for SVA rupture and other combined anomalies with better spatial resolution of cardiac structure. Herein, we described a case of a young woman with ruptured SVA. SVA rupture was suggested by transthoracic echocardiography and confirmed by cardiac CT. CT scan confirmed SVA rupture by revealing a ring-like structure originating from the right coronary sinus of the aortic valve protruding to the right ventricle with extravasation of the radiocontrast agent. This finding was not clearly defined by transthoracic echocardiography. Cardiac CT may be useful for the diagnosis of ruptured SVA by providing more detailed visualization of adjacent structures and additional information on combined cardiac pathology.