Aortic pseudoaneurysm with a fistula between the non-coronary sinus and right atrium: a case report

Abstract

The authors present a case report of a 68-year-old man evaluated at the emergency department for repeated syncope, asthenia, and general malaise, suggesting heart failure in a patient with several comorbidities. At presentation, the patient was afebrile, but he had reported a low-grade fever in the previous six months. At first glance, transthoracic echocardiography was not clear, while transesophageal echocardiography revealed an echo-free image at the level of the non-coronary sinus of the aortic root, suggestive of a pseudoaneurysm, communicating with the right atrium with continuous systo-diastolic flow, compatible with the aorto-cavitary fistula between the aortic root and the RA. Echocardiographic findings were confirmed by cardiac computed tomography. The case was discussed with the heart team and was considered suitable for surgery, but the patient suddenly died just before surgery due to impairment and friability.

Keywords

• Aortic pseudoaneurysm
• heart failure
• fistula
• right atrium
• endocarditis
• echocardiography