Abstract 11763: A Unique Presentation of Heart Failure With Severe Pulmonary Hypertension and Pericardial Effusion in a Young Patient With a Ruptured Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysm

Abstract

Case: 26 y/o female immigrant from a developing nation presented with shortness of breath at rest. On physical exam, she desaturated to 75% with minimal movement, had an audible pansystolic murmur, and 2+ pitting edema. Initial presentation was indicative of decompensated Heart Failure (HF). 2D Echocardiogram (Echo) showed a right sinus of Valsalva aneurysm (SOV) with a left to right shunt to the pulmonary artery, as well as, severe pulmonary hypertension (PHTN) and moderate pericardial effusion. CT Scan of the chest showed a right Ruptured SOV (RSOV) with a dissection flap extending into the aorta. Transesophageal Echocardiogram confirmed the diagnosis; noted a right RSOV extending into the pulmonary artery causing severe pulmonary HTN leading to HF and pericardial effusion. The patient underwent surgical correction with full recovery and resolution of symptoms. Conclusions: SOV is a rare cardiac complication with variable etiology. Congenital causes are often found early in age and resolved surgically. Cases regarding the management of adults, especially in the critical care setting, are not well described. Here we report a 26-year-old female who rapidly developed HF with PHTN and pericardial effusion secondary to an RSOV. This case shows the importance of Echo in managing HF and determining its etiology. Using Echo we saw a dilated Inferior Vena Cava of 2.7 cm characteristic of HF. Next, we were able to visualize a dilated RSOV with a shunt to the right, subsequent turbulent flow through the Aortic valve, and severe tricuspid regurgitation. Lastly, we were able to see elevated pulmonary artery systolic pressure secondary to the shunt, and subsequent pericardial effusion (fig 1). The patient's symptoms were initially managed with IV diuretics and resolved with surgery. This is a rare case of right-sided RSOV extending into the pulmonary artery, its successful treatment, and the important role of Echo in treating HF and PHTN.