Aortic dissection with fistula to right atrium. Noninvasive diagnosis by two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography with successful repair. Case report and review of the literature

J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 1986 Nov;92(5):953-7.

Abstract

Aortic dissection with rupture into the right atrium is rare, and a high index of suspicion is required for its clinical recognition. The diagnosis should be considered in a patient with chest pain or dyspnea who at presentation has a widened pulse pressure, a continuous murmur, and evidence of right ventricular volume overload, especially when there is a history of a previous cardiac operation. Two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography can establish the diagnosis and permit early surgical repair of the dissection and fistula.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aortic Aneurysm / diagnosis*
  • Aortic Aneurysm / surgery
  • Aortic Dissection / diagnosis*
  • Aortic Dissection / surgery
  • Cardiac Catheterization
  • Echocardiography / methods*
  • Fistula / diagnosis*
  • Fistula / surgery
  • Heart Atria
  • Heart Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Heart Diseases / surgery
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Rupture, Spontaneous