Myocardial dissection complicating left sinus of Valsalva aneurysm in silent takayasu arteritis

Background Myocardial dissection (MD) in a left sinus of Valsalva aneurysm (LSVA) is a rare condition that may lead to a fatal complication. Determining the MD etiology is challenging because of various possibilities ranging from congenital to acquired diseases. Here, we discuss an approach for determining the etiology of MD complicating LSVA in Takayasu arteritis (TA) and its treatment. Case presentation A 41-year-old man presented with dyspnea on heavy activities and a history of consciousness loss at the age of 24 years. He was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy and MD complicating LSVA in TA based on combined clinical and pathognomonic diagnostic criteria of TA evaluated using vascular Doppler and computed tomography angiography of the aorta. The patient refused to undergo surgery and received an optimal dose of chronic heart failure therapy, a high-dose steroid, and azathioprine. The patient experienced some improvements in clinical condition, functional outcome, and inflammatory markers at 1-year follow-up. Conclusions Clinical criteria and various imaging modalities may be used to determine the etiology of MD complicating LSVA in silent TA. As an alternative to surgery, the optimal medical treatment might result in a satisfactory outcome.

Automated summary

Determining the etiology of myocardial dissection complicating left sinus of Valsalva aneurysm in silent Takayasu arteritis can be challenging, but clinical criteria and various imaging modalities may help in diagnosis. Optimal medical treatment as an alternative to surgery may lead to satisfactory outcomes in such cases.