Aorto-left atrial fistula: Rare cause of acute cardiac failure in a previously healthy individual.

ABSTRACT: Complications of valvular infective endocarditis involving the peri-annular region puts the patient at a significantly high risk of adverse outcomes including heart failure and death. The "mitral-aortic intervalvular fibrosa" is relatively avascular and offers little resistance to the spread of abscesses, aneurysm, and fistula formation. Aorto-cavitary fistulous tract formation in the setting of native valve infective endocarditis is associated with higher rates of heart failure, ventricular septal defect, and atrioventricular block than nonruptured abscesses. Thus, a high index of suspicion is needed for rapid and accurate diagnosis, which can guide further management. A transesophageal echocardiogram is the preferred modality of investigation in such cases. Staphylococci are reported to

SUBMITTER: Agrawal Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5034481 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature