Key result
Adult aorto-left ventricular tunnel is exceedingly rare and frequently misdiagnosed as aortic regurgitation.
Why the study?
Aorto–left ventricular tunnel is a rare congenital heart defect usually diagnosed in infancy, with adult diagnosis being exceptional and frequently misdiagnosed as aortic regurgitation or related conditions.
Case Report
Highlights the rare occurrence and high misdiagnosis rate of aorto-left ventricular tunnel in adults, emphasizing the need to distinguish it from severe aortic regurgitation or root pathology.
May prompt consideration of aorto–left ventricular tunnel in adult aortic regurgitation misdiagnoses; leaves open prospective validation of diagnostic strategies.
Aorto–left ventricular tunnel (ALVT) is an exceedingly rare paravalvular communication between the left ventricle (LV) and the aorta, accounting for <0.1% of congenital heart diseases.1 It is predominantly diagnosed in infants or prenatally by fetal echocardiography, whereas diagnosis in adults is exceptional.2,3 Occurrence is about twice as frequent in male patients compared to female patients.4 Misdiagnosis rates are high, with confusion involving aortic regurgitation (AR) and aortic root perforation or aneurysm.
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Höchli et al. (2026) conducted a case report in Aorto-left ventricular tunnel (ALVT). Aorto-left ventricular tunnel is an exceedingly rare congenital heart disease that is exceptionally diagnosed in adulthood and frequently misdiagnosed as aortic regurgitation.
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