Management of aortic left ventricular tunnel.

A 22 year old man had a diagnosis of left ventricular aortic tunnel established during infancy. Surgical repair was deferred at that time because his severe aortic root deformity would also have required aortic valve replacement. His current lack of symptoms together with a normal exercise capacity could be used as an argument against routine early surgical repair of the tunnel, particularly when the possible need for additional aortic valve replacement is considered.