Aortic Root Abscess Complicated by Fistulization in a Young Patient with Bicuspid Aortic Valve

• Published in: Echocardiography (Mount Kisco, N.Y.) N.Y.), 2011-09, Vol.28 (8), p.E160-E163
• Main Authors: İlhan, Erkan, Dayı, Şennur Ünal, Hatipsoylu, Erdinç, Bozbeyoğlu, Emrah, Albeyoğlu, Şebnem, Dağsalı, Sabri
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Abscess - complications; Abscess - diagnostic imaging; Adult; Aortic Diseases - complications; Aortic Diseases - diagnostic imaging; Aortic Valve - abnormalities; Aortic Valve - diagnostic imaging; aortic valve endocarditis; bicuspid aortic valve; Echocardiography; Endocarditis - complications; Heart Aneurysm - etiology; Humans; infective endocarditis (IE); Male; Streptococcal Infections - complications; Vascular Fistula - etiology
• ISSN: 0742-2822; 1540-8175
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1540-8175.2011.01436.x

Aortic root abscess is a relatively common complication of aortic valve endocarditis. However, aortic root abscess and formation of a fistula from the aortic root to the right ventricular outflow tract in the setting of a native bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is a rare event. We present consecutive echocardiographic images of unruptured periaortic abscess and fistulization of it to the right ventricle in 24 hours, in a patient with BAV and fever of unexplained origin. (Echocardiography 2011;28:E160‐E163) Aortic root abscess is a relatively common complication of aortic valve endocarditis. However, aortic root abscess and formation of a fistula from the aortic root to the right ventricular outflow tract in the setting of a native bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is a rare event. We present consecutive echocardiographic images of unruptured periaortic abscess and fistulization of it to the right ventricle in 24 hours, in a patient with BAV and fever of unexplained origin.