AORTO-LEFT VENTRICULAR TUNNEL A STUDY OF THREE PATIENTS

Aorto-left ventricular tunnel (ALVT) is a rare congenital anomaly in which an abnormal communication connects the ascending aorta with the left ventricle, that results volume overload on left ventricle. It is clinically undistinguishable from aortic insufficiency. Its prompt and precise diagnosis is crucial since early surgical treatment is definitely indicated. In this report clinical, roentgenographic and electrocardiographic features as well as echocardiographic and cardiac catheterization data of three patients with this cardiac anomaly are reviewed. All of our three patients were male. Two cases referred because of heart murmer and another case because of dyspnea. All of cases had dilation of left ventricle, ascending aorta and aortic arch. Open heart surgery and repair of tunnel was done for all patients and in one case because of abnormal aortic valve leaflets, aortic valve replacement also was done.