Thirty-three-year follow-up of pseudoaneurysm of the mitral-aortic intervalvular fibrosa without surgical treatment: a case report and literature review

Abstract

Background Pseudoaneurysm of the mitral-aortic intervalvular fibrosa (PMAIF) is a rare complication of infective endocarditis or aortic valve surgery. Surgical treatment is suggested, but the long-term follow-up of conservative management remains unclear. Case presentation A 33-year follow-up of a patient who developed PMAIF six years after aortic valve replacement is reported. The patient presented to our center with dyspnea, and the echocardiography revealed an ejection fraction of 20% and a PMAIF measuring 7 × 10 mm. Despite being advised to undergo surgery, the patient declined due to fear of surgical outcomes. Consequently, conservative treatment with close observation but without surgery was initiated. During the 33-year follow-up period, the patient did not experience any adverse health effects. Conclusion Surgical intervention should be considered whenever the PMAIF is diagnosed. However, in any case that the surgery was not applicable, conservative management might lead to long-term survival, based on this and similar case reports in the literature.