Abstract
Aortico-left ventricular tunnel (ALVT) is a rare congenital heart malformation representing approximately 0.001% of all congenital cardiac malformations (Okoroma EO et al. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 1976; 71: 238–44). ALVT was first described as an abnormal communication between the ascending aorta and the left ventricle (Levy MJ et al. Circulation 1963; 27: 841–53). The tunnel begins above the sinus of Valsalva near the right coronary ostium and ends in the left ventricle below the right aortic cusp. The embryological basis is unknown. Diagnosis can be made by fetal echocardiography. Possible features of the lesion during fetal life include a dilated left ventricle, aortic regurgitation and a dilated ascending aorta. Postnatal treatment is early surgical patch closure of the defect. A good long-term outcome postoperatively is reported. However, the outcome is highly dependent on the antenatal presence of heart failure and hydrops (Singh A et al. Pediatr Cardiol 2011; 32: 822–5). The course of an untreated large ALVT is progressive heart failure leading to death. We present two second trimester cases with signs of severe heart failure due to ALVT which were diagnosed by autopsy.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
