Pseudoaneurysm of the mitral-aortic intervalvular fibrosa (MAIVF): A comprehensive review.

Pseudoaneurysm in the region of the fibrous body between the mitral and aortic valve, the mitral-aortic intervalvular fibrosa (MAIVF), is a rare complication. The authors provide a comprehensive review of all relevant English-language articles published from 1966 to December 2009. Pseudoaneurysm of the MAIVF was identified in 88 patients in the medical literature and one from the authors' institution (total reported cases, 89). Endocarditis and aortic valve surgery were the most frequently associated causative factors. Symptoms and signs of infection, chest pain, heart failure or shortness of breath, and cerebrovascular accidents accounted for 77% of clinical presentations. The formation of a fistulous tract, coronary artery compression, and death were important described complications. Patients with ring abscesses in the MAIVF region and those with prosthetic aortic valves and histories of endocarditis are at higher risk for developing pseudoaneurysm of the MAIVF. Transesophageal echocardiography was able to identify all cases in which it was used. Surgical correction is the treatment of choice.