Diagnosis and Management of Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysm in Children

Aneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva is an uncommon congenital lesion rarely reported in children. Because of the significant incidence of other associated cardiac anomalies and the general lack of symptoms when the aneurysm is unruptured, early diagnosis and subsequent management may be difficult. Three children who underwent operative repair are presented with reference to their pathological, diagnostic, and therapeutic courses. The need to preserve the aortic valve in younger children is emphasized, as is the excellent relief of clinical symptoms and laboratory abnormalities by corrective operation.