Sinus of Valsalva aneurysm is a rare anomaly. This study was designed to assess the long-term outcome of surgical repair of sinus of Valsalva aneurysm and factors influencing the prognosis. From August 1980 to August sinus of Valsalva aneurysm repair. Ventricular septal defect (42) and aortic regurgitation (34) were the most frequent coexisting anomalies. An approach via the involved chamber was used in 60 patients, aortotomy in 5, and a combined approach in 35. Either direct (43) or patch (57) closure was used to repair the defect. Aortic valve replacement was required in 14 patients, and 8 needed valvuloplasty. Eighty patients were followed up for 15.6 +/- 3.9 years. There were 3 hospital deaths and 2 late deaths. New York Heart Association functional class improved significantly after surgery. Actuarial survival was 94% at 10 years, and 90% at 15 years. Surgical treatment of sinus of Valsalva aneurysm is safe and effective, but late progressive aortic regurgitation is still a risk during long-term follow-up, and early aggressive measures are recommended.

Between 1978 and 2002, 15 patients (mean age, 23.0 +/- 8.5 years) with cardiac and pericardial echinococcosis were treated surgically. The cysts were located in the right atrium in 3 patients, on the anterior myocardium in 7, and pericardially in 5. The 3 patients with right atrial cysts were operated on using cardiopulmonary bypass. There were 4 recurrences requiring re-operation after a mean of 12 months. All other patients received mebendazole treatment and exhibited no recurrence during follow-up. One late death due to chronic right heart failure occurred after 10 months of follow-up. The serologic test is an effective method of diagnosis in undeveloped and developing countries.