Usefulness of two- and three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography in the assessment of proximal left coronary system compression by a paraprosthetic aortic valve abscess

Echocardiography. 2017 Feb;34(2):264-266. doi: 10.1111/echo.13476.

Abstract

Paraprosthetic aortic valve abscess represents a rare, but lethal complication of infective endocarditis. We report a case of proximal left coronary system compression by a paraprosthetic aortic valve abscess whose detection was augmented using live/real time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography. Our case illustrates the usefulness of combined two- and three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography in detecting this finding.

Keywords: coronary artery compression; paraprosthetic aortic valve abscess; proximal left coronary system compression; three-dimensional echocardiography; two-dimensional echocardiography.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abscess / complications
  • Abscess / diagnostic imaging*
  • Aortic Valve / diagnostic imaging
  • Aortic Valve / microbiology
  • Coronary Vessels / diagnostic imaging*
  • Coronary Vessels / physiopathology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Echocardiography, Three-Dimensional / methods*
  • Echocardiography, Transesophageal / methods*
  • Endocarditis / complications
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Heart Valve Diseases / complications
  • Heart Valve Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Heart Valve Prosthesis / microbiology*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged