Abstract
Enlargement of the aorta is a severe sequela of tetralogy of Fallot
(TOF) that can cause fatal complications including aortic regurgitation,
dissection, aneurysm or even rupture. Valve sparing aortic root
replacement (VSARR), also known as the Yacoub technique, is a surgical
maneuver that corrects regurgitation and avoids requirement for
long-term anticoagulation treatment at the same time. Several studies
have demonstrated the effectiveness of VSARR in patients with aortic
regurgitation complicated by aortic root dilation following a repair of
congenital heart defects. To date, little data exists on VSARR in TOF
patients. Herein we report a case of a previously unoperated 35-year-old
male TOF patient. He was admitted due to dyspnea, initial physical
examination demonstrated cyanosis and heart murmurs. Echocardiography
suggested secundum atrial septal defect, perimembranous ventricular
septal defect and mild-severe aortic regurgitation. Computed tomography
angiography indicated aortic root dilation and suspicious right coronary
artery aneurysm. Concurrent repair of TOF and VSARR was performed
successfully and the patient had a satisfactory recovery.
KEYWORDS: Aortic root replacement; Congenital heart disease;
Tetralogy of Fallot