Pseudoaneurysm of mitral-aortic intervalvular fibrosa: two case reports and review of literature

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify the echocardiographic characteristics of pseudoaneurysm of the mitral-aortic intervalvular fibrosa, which is a rare and life-threatening complication of infective endocarditis. We have demonstrated the difference in clinical presentation and management of acute and chronic types of this pseudoaneurysm, together with a review of literature of the topic. We present two cases, one acute and the other an example of a chronic pseudoaneurysm of the mitral-aortic intervalvular fibrosa. The abscess may enlarge rapidly and rupture, resulting in haemorrhage with a catastrophic outcome. Rarely, the pseudoaneurysm will undergo a subclinical course, thicken and organize into a chronic aneurysm. Transoesophageal echocardiogram demonstrates a false lumen below the aortic valve annulus at the mitral-aortic intervalvular fibrosa with marked pulsatility with systolic expansion and diastolic collapse. The successful management of acute pseudoaneurysm necessitates extensive resection and replacement of the infected areas around the pseudoaneurysm. In chronic pseudoaneurysm, there is structural integrity around the calcified pseudoaneurysm, potentially minimizing the need for an extirpative surgery. Pseudoaneurysm of the mitral-aortic intervalvular fibrosa is a rare complication of infective endocarditis, but delay in diagnosis can lead to devastating outcome. © The Author 2009.