Prenatal diagnosis of an aortico-left ventricular tunnel

Abstract

Aortico-left ventricular tunnel is a rare abnormal communication between the ascending aorta and the left ventricle. Early diagnosis and prompt surgical repair prevent congestive heart failure or consecutive valvular insufficiency. However, in utero diagnosis of this heart malformation has been rarely described and none of those children survived. We report on a case of aortico-left ventricular tunnel detected at 32 weeks'gestation with a favourable outcome after surgical repair at three months of age.