title: Rupture of a sinus of Valsalva aneurysm due to Aspergillus endocarditis.
abstract: We report a case of rupture of an acquired sinus of Valsalva aneurysm secondary to Aspergillus endocarditis in a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and idiopathic thrombocytopaenia purpura. Despite adequate repair and haemodynamic correction, with an apparent excellent initial result, the patient died of overwhelming sepsis at twelve days postoperatively. This case demonstrates an unusual cause of rupture of a sinus of Valsalva aneurysm and the morbidity associated with immunological dysfunction in the post-operative period.
authors.affiliation: National Cardiac Surgical Unit, Mater Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hurley
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: McGovern
mesh_terms: D000785:Aneurysm, Infected / Q000150:complications / Q000382:microbiology; D001014:Aortic Aneurysm / Q000209:etiology*; D001019:Aortic Rupture / Q000209:etiology*; D001228:Aspergillosis / Q000150:complications*; D004696:Endocarditis / Q000150:complications* / Q000382:microbiology; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012850:Sinus of Valsalva / Q000382:microbiology*