Uncorrected Proof
Multidiscip Cardio Annal. 2022 July; 13(2):e127396.
Published online 2022 November 21.
https://doi.org/10.5812/mca-127396.
Research Article
Surgical Reconstruction of Valsalva Sinus Aneurysms: One Surgical
Team Outcomes from Tertiary Center
Alireza Alizadeh Ghavidel
1
, Seyyed Sadegh Zargar
1
, Hadi Abo Aljadayel
1, *
, Bahador Baharestani
1
,
Maziar Gholampour Dehaki
1
and Ziae Totonchi
1
1
Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, Scool of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
*
Corresponding author: Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, Scool of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Email:
hadyaboaljadayel@yahoo.com
Received 2022 May 15; Revised 2022 September 28; Accepted 2022 October 17.
Abstract
Background: There are many surgical methods used to treat sinus of Valsalva aneurysms, and these methods vary depending on
the surgical team’s expertise and the patient’s health, which has an impact on the surgical outcomes.
Objectives: In our study, we evaluated the midterm outcomes of a single center’s highly skilled surgical team.
Methods: In this retrospective cohort study the clinical data of 42 consecutive patients from November 1, 2005 to 21 august 2018
were reviewed and early and mid-term results were assessed. Twenty-two patients (53%) were presented with ruptured aneurysms;
8 of these patients (28.5%) had their aneurysms repaired with a double patch and an AV repair; nonetheless, 20 patients (46.6%)
required valve replacement.
Results: It was found that there was no bicuspid valve in our patients, no correlation between the presence of VSD and the severity
of aortic insufficiency in our series (P = 0.89), and the severity of aortic insufficiency increased when the Valsalva aneurysm ruptured
into the heart chambers. There was a strong association between female gender and ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysms (P = 0.02,
AI severity, P = 0.05, aortic valve surgery, P = 0.03, and total AV replacement, P = 0.001). RSOV and the likelihood of a heart block did
not correlate in our series (P = 0. 29).
Conclusions: Results from one surgical team, particularly when the same specialist is making decisions, are more trustworthy.
Excellent long-term outcomes are obtained, and rupture of the SOV is linked to an increase in AI and, ultimately, to aortic valve
surgery, primarily AV replacement. Using patch technique for closing fistulas does not increase the post op arrhythmia.
Keywords: Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysm, Aortic Aneurysms, Aortic Root Repair, One Surgical Team, Ruptured Aortic Aneurysms,
Cardiac Fistulas.
1. Background
Sinus of Valsalva aneurysm (SOVA) is an uncommon
cardiac anomaly. It can be congenital or acquired with a
prevalence about 0.09% of population (1). It was first re-
ported in the literature in the beginning of nineteenth cen-
tury (2). It can rupture into the heart’s cavities, most fre-
quently extending into the right ventricular outflow tract’s
upper portion (3). Congenital SOV aneurysms are usu-
ally observed in conjunction with other cardiac anoma-
lies such as ventricular septal defect (VSD) or aortic valve
dysfunction (4). The transesophageal echocardiography
(TEE) is the diagnostic method of choice, in addition to
cardiac magnetic resonance and computed tomography
(CT) which can be helpful (5). Indications for surgery in
non-ruptured SOV aneurysms are symptomatic patients or
rapid enlargement. Additionally, untreated ruptured si-
nus of Valsalva aneurysm (RSOV) almost always results in
worsening of cardiac function. Intervention is therefore
required, either by surgery or the use of endovascular clo-
sure devices that have successful outcomes (6).
2. Objectives
The purpose of the current study was to review the out-
comes of 42 patients who underwent surgery to treat sinus
Valsalva aneurysms at the university of cardiovascular and
research center of Iran during a 12-year period.
3. Methods
Approval and Institutional Ethics for this review were
obtained from Iran University of medical sciences, we ret-
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