Depiction of ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysms by cardiac computed tomography angiography.

Ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm is an uncommon condition with variable manifestation that results in aortocardiac shunt. The presentation may range from an asymptomatic murmur to cardiogenic shock. The initial diagnosis is established or suspected by two-dimensional echocardiography and colour flow Doppler. Transesophageal echocardiography is especially helpful in delineating the anatomy of the aneurysm and its connections to other chambers. The gold standard diagnostic method for ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm is cardiac catheterization and aortography. Recent reports have suggested a potential role of cardiac computed tomography in establishing diagnosis in such cases. The high spatial resolution of cardiac computed tomography provides anatomical details of the ruptured aneurysm by depicting a jet of contrast materials extending from the aneurysm and adjacent cardiac chamber. In addition, cardiac computed tomography provides a comprehensive cardiac evaluation including coronary artery anatomy, and the presence of other associated cardiac or vascular anomalies.