Aorto-atrial fistula associated with recurrent aortic dissection after ascending aorta replacement

A 70-year-old woman with a bicuspid aortic valve had undergone ascending ao rta replacement for acute DeBakey type I dissection. Computed tomography an d aortography 2 months after the operation revealed a thrombosed false lume n in the ascending aorta proximal to,the prosthetic graft. However recurren ce of dissection was found at the aortic root proximal to the graft 4 years after the initial operation. Significant aortic stenosis was also noted. D espite intensive medical treatment, she had refractory and progressive hear t failure. At the second surgery, an aorto-right atrial fistula, which prob ably was responsible for the severe heart failure was revealed. Closure of the aorto-right atrial fistula, and aortic root replacement were performed using Piehler's method, with a composite graft. The etiology and management of this rare case are discussed.