Aortic Root Abscess Complicated by Fistulization in a Young Patient with Bicuspid Aortic Valve

Aortic root abscess is a relatively common complication of aortic valve endocarditis. However, aortic root abscess and formation of a fistula from the aortic root to the right ventricular outflow tract in the setting of a native bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is a rare event. We present consecutive echocardiographic images of unruptured periaortic abscess and fistulization of it to the right ventricle in 24 hours, in a patient with BAV and fever of unexplained origin. (Echocardiography 2011;28:E160‐E163) Aortic root abscess is a relatively common complication of aortic valve endocarditis. However, aortic root abscess and formation of a fistula from the aortic root to the right ventricular outflow tract in the setting of a native bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is a rare event. We present consecutive echocardiographic images of unruptured periaortic abscess and fistulization of it to the right ventricle in 24 hours, in a patient with BAV and fever of unexplained origin.