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Ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm presenting as ST-elevation myocardial infarction

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Abstract

Background. A 52-year-old man presented with central chest pain, which he had experienced for 8 h. He had no other associated symptoms and no prior history of cardiovascular disease.

Investigations. Electrocardiography, chest radiography, coronary angiography, aortic angiography, echocardiography, CT thorax with contrast.

Diagnosis. Ruptured aneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva.

Management. Emergency sternotomy and pericardiotomy, followed by aortic root replacement.

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Figure 1: Initial electrocardiogram demonstrating ST-elevation in leads V1–V3, suggestive of myocardial infarction.
Figure 2: Large aneurysmal dilatation of the aorta at the right sinus of Valsalva.
Figure 3: CT of the mediastinum.
Figure 4: Replacement of aortic root by a modified Bentall procedure after deformation by the partially ruptured and sealed off aneurysm.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Harefield Hospital, Harefield, Middlesex, UK

    Alistair C. Lindsay, Balakrishnan Mahesh, Jullien A. Gaer & Miles C. D. Dalby

Authors
  1. Alistair C. Lindsay
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  2. Balakrishnan Mahesh
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  3. Jullien A. Gaer
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  4. Miles C. D. Dalby
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Correspondence to Miles C. D. Dalby.

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The authors declare no competing financial interests.

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Lindsay, A., Mahesh, B., Gaer, J. et al. Ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm presenting as ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Nat Rev Cardiol 6, 379–382 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrcardio.2009.45

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