HUGE ANEURYSM OF THE SINUS OF VALSALVA FOLLOWING INFECTIVE ENDOCARDITIS IN BEHCETS-DISEASE

A huge aneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva with conduction disturbance a s a consequence of infective endocarditis in Behcet's disease is repor ted. The aneurysm extended not only into the ventricular septum but al so to the right atrium and ventricle, with a complicated cavity format ion. We speculate that complete atrioventricular block occurred due to an enlargement of the aneurysm into the ventricular septum, leading t o a direct conduction system injury. Preoperative echocardiography and aortography were insufficient to recognize the extent of the lesion; subsequent operative examination revealed the true size. At operation, it is important to understand the lesion dimensions fully in order th at appropriate surgical procedures be performed.