title: An unusual case of aortic valve obstruction.
abstract: During a dissection class for anatomy, a white lipoid mass was found in the ascending aorta, which was partly attached to the wall and filled the sinuses ofValsalva and almost fitting as a cast. This mass prevented full opening of the mobile aortic valve leaflets, thereby causing an obstruction. Microscopic analysis revealed fibres and presence of polymorphonuclear white blood cells. It seems reasonable to assume that this mass has formed in the last weeks or months of the life of this subject, which is much quicker than for calcified aortic valve stenosis. Therefore, signs and symptoms of aortic obstruction might have been missed or misinterpreted. In case of timely detection during life, diagnostic imaging and therapeutic approach can be challenging.
authors.affiliation: Dept. of Healthcare Sciences, Artesis University College of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium. wilhelm.mistiaen@artesis.be
authors.forename: Wilhelm P
authors.initials: WP
authors.lastname: Mistiaen
authors.forename: Leen
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Uyttebroek
authors.forename: Guy
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Hubens
authors.forename: Luc
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Van Nassauw
mesh_terms: D001013:Aorta, Thoracic / Q000473:pathology; D001021:Aortic Valve / Q000473:pathology*; D001024:Aortic Valve Stenosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*; D002102:Cadaver; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008064:Lipidoses / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012850:Sinus of Valsalva / Q000473:pathology