We describe a rare case of an ascending aortic pseudoaneurysm 31 years after mitral valve replacement with a Björk-Shiley mechanical valve. The aneurysm presumably expanded gradually during the years following surgery. As the valve was functioning normally, it was left in situ while the ascending aorta was replaced. This report provides valuable information regarding the long-term nature of this patient’s pseudoaneurysm, and the long-term durability of the Björk-Shiley spherical valve in the mitral position.
SullivanKLSteinerRMSmullensSNGriskaLMeisterSG. Pseudoaneurysm of the ascending aorta following cardiac surgery. Chest1988; 93: 138–143.
2.
KatsumataTMoorjaniNVaccariGWestabyS. Mediastinal false aneurysm after thoracic aortic surgery. Ann Thorac Surg2000; 70: 547–552.
3.
AtikFANaviaJLSvenssonLG. Surgical treatment of pseudoaneurysm of the thoracic aorta. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg2006; 132: 379–385.
4.
BjörkVOHenzeA. Ten years’ experience with the Björk-Shiley tilting disc valve. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg1979; 78: 331–342.
5.
LindblomDBjörkVOSembBK. Mechanical failure of the Björk-Shiley valve. Incidence, clinical presentation, and management. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg1986; 92: 894–907.
6.
van der GraafYde WaardFvan HerwerdenLADefauwJ. Risk of strut fracture of Björk-Shiley valves. Lancet1992; 339: 257–261.
7.
HiratzkaLFKouchoukosNTGrunkemeierGLMillerDCScullyHEWechslerAS. Outlet strut fracture of the Björk-Shiley 60 degrees Convexo-Concave valve: current information and recommendations for patient care. J Am Coll Cardiol1988; 11: 1130–1137.
