DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000041341 ISSN: 1536-5964

Right coronary sinus of Valsalva pseudoaneurysm after a motorcycle accident: A case report

Yong Cheng, Yu Zhang, Zixuan Liu, Ziwei Wang, Tao Shuai

Rationale:

Traumatic pseudoaneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva (PSV) is a rare but life-threatening condition, often resulting from blunt chest trauma. Rapid progress and a high risk of rupture highlight the importance of prompt diagnosis and intervention. We present a case of a rare pseudoaneurysm linked to the right coronary sinus after blunt chest trauma.

Patient concerns:

A 54-year-old male presented with chest pain, loss of consciousness, and coma following a motorcycle accident. Initial management included invasive ventilation at a local hospital before transfer for specialized care.

Diagnoses:

Computed tomography angiography and transthoracic echocardiography confirmed a blunt traumatic PSV, along with an 8th rib fracture, findings later corroborated during open thoracotomy.

Interventions:

The pseudoaneurysm was surgically treated with an open thoracotomy, and the defect was sealed using a pericardial patch.

Outcomes:

The patient experienced an uneventful recovery, with follow-up confirming the restoration of normal daily activities.

Lessons:

Traumatic PSV, though rare, demands heightened clinical awareness in cases of blunt chest trauma. Noninvasive computed tomography angiography serves as a rapid and reliable diagnostic tool. Early surgical intervention remains the definitive treatment to prevent catastrophic outcomes.

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