A unique diverticulum of the basal region of the right ventricle ruptured spontaneously, leading to unexpected death in an infant with persistent truncus arteriosus. Initial symptoms, including cyanosis and tachypnea, appeared to be corrected by digitalization. Later clinical manifestations resembling upper-respiratory tract infection also disappeared shortly before death. Roentgenographic examination showed enlargement of the heart, prominent pulmonary vascular markings, and, eventually, the diverticulum. Additional anatomic findings include agenesis of pulmonary artery, bronchial artery hypertrophy, and two congenital diverticula of right ventricle, with rupture and hemopericardium.Congeni tal diverticulum of the right heart is apparently a rare anomaly. The following case docu¬ ments the development of a unique diverticulum of the basal region of the right ventricle which ruptured spontaneously leading to unexpected sudden death. Had this lesion been recognized, surgical excision, which may have been a life-saving proce¬ dure, would have been advisable.
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