Ventricular septal defect and multiple aneurysms.

A 41-year-old man with a small perimembranous ventricular septal defect (VSD) developed aneurysms and aortic elongation, tortuosity and dissecting aneurysm. The asymptomatic VSD, without pulmonary circulatory disturbance, was considered hemodynamically benign and too small to warrant surgical closure. However, prolonged strenuous sporting activities could have potentiated premature development of aortic sclerosis and the unusual vascular lesions secondary to the VSD, and an injury may have precipitated mural dissection in the vulnerable aortic wall. Clinicopathological analysis of the unusual complications associated with the VSD suggests that closure of the defect at an early age should be considered to possibly obviate premature degenerative, valvular and vascular changes in adulthood and also secondary endocardial infection.