[Dissection of the interventricular septum with aorto-left ventricular communication due to infective endocarditis--report of a rare case].

Dissection of the interventricular septum is an uncommon manifestation, which is rarely associated with infective endocarditis, aneurysm of sinus of Valsalva and thoracic trauma. We report a 34-year-old male case with aorto-left ventricular communication due to infective endocarditis. The patient had chief complaints of dyspnea on exertion and precordial discomfort. Preoperative laboratory data showed normal white blood cell counts, a slightly elevated CRP, and negative blood culture in bacterial examinations. Echocardiogram revealed progressive dissection of the interventricular septum and stenosis of the left ventricular outflow tract. Disturbance of conduction including progressive atrioventricular block and bundle branch block were found in the electrocardiogram. The dissection extended over 2 x 2 x 2.5 cm in diameter, with an entry located at the basis of the right coronary cusp and reentry communicated to the left ventricle. Operative procedures included the aortic valve replacement with prosthetic valve due to severe inflammation, in addition to resection of the dissecting cavity. Pathological examination of the resected tissue accorded with infective endocarditis in active phase, showing necrosis, small cell infiltration and microabscess. However, a bacterial colony was not found in the surgical specimen. Postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged in satisfactory conditions.