Journal of Zhejiang University. Science. B 2009;10(3):230-232

doi:10.1631/jzus.B0820229

Aorta-to-right atrium fistula, an unusual complication of endocarditis.

Miao-yan CHEN 1 ; Dan-dan ZHONG ; Zhi-qiang YING

Affiliations

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Country

China

Language

English

Abstract

Infective endocarditis (IE) remains a serious disease. Aorta-to-right atrium fistula is a rare but very serious complication of IE and predicts a higher mortality. This report describes a 50-year-old man with endocarditis, vegetation, perforation of noncoronary sinus, and formation of two aorta-to-right atrium fistulas with native valves detected by transthoracic echocardiography. This disease is lethal despite developments in cardiac imaging and antibacterial therapy. Early diagnosis, aggressive antibacterial therapy, and surgical treatment may improve the prognosis.