Systolic Ejection Murmurs Due to Unruptured Aneurysm of the Sinus of Valsalva

Abstract

Aneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva is a rare condition with variable clinical presentation. We present a case of an unruptured aneurysm of the right sinus of Valsalva, in which a systolic ejection murmur was instrumental in the diagnosis. An asymptomatic 72-year-old man was referred to the cardiology department because of a heart murmur. Physical examination was unremarkable except for a grade 3 systolic murmur, loudest at the third left sternal border. Echocardiography revealed a sac-like structure protruding into the right ventricle and attached to the right sinus of Valsalva with a right ventricular outflow tract obstruction during endsystole. Multidetector computed tomography showed an aneurysm of the right sinus of Valsalva with a diameter of 28 × 19 mm; no contrast leakage from the aneurysm was detected. A diagnosis of an unruptured aneurysm of the right sinus of Valsalva was made. Surgical repair was successfully performed, and the murmur disappeared postoperatively. This case underscores the importance of physical examination even in the era of advanced imaging techniques and the need to recognize the wide range of causes of heart murmurs.