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Sinus of valsalva aneurysm and ventricular tachycardia during pulmonary artery catheterization.

Patel C, Bailey PL

Department of Anesthesiology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14642, USA.

Pulmonary artery catheterization is associated with numerous complications, including serious arrhythmias. We report a case where ventricular tachycardia occurred repeatedly during attempted pulmonary artery catheterization, precluding successful catheterization. Transesophageal echocardiography was used to image the tricuspid valve and right ventricle and revealed a Sinus of Valsalva aneurysm protruding significantly into the right ventricle and obstructing advancement of the pulmonary artery catheter. Our case reveals another identifiable cause of serious arrhythmia during pulmonary artery catheterization and highlights how transesophageal echocardiography can be useful in unanticipated ways during cardiac anesthesia and surgery.

Published 23 January 2006 in Anesth Analg, 102(2): 369-71.
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