Prenatally diagnosed pseudoaneurysms of the mitral-aortic intervalvular fibrous area.

The mitral-aortic intervalvular fibrosa (MAIVF) is an avascular, fibrous structure that provides continuity between the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve and the aortic valve. Pseudoaneurysms of this area are rare and more commonly have been described in adult patients following trauma, cardiac surgery, or endocarditis.1,2 Limited case studies describe the occurrence in children following cardiac surgery3, 9 or endocarditis,4,5 with few case reports describing the congenital nature of these pseudoaneurysms.4,6-9 Here, we describe 5 cases of congenital pseudoaneurysms in the MAIVF area identified prenatally, with an additional 6 cases diagnosed postnatally. This is an unusual finding of varying clinical significance that can be isolated or associated with complex congenital heart disease, but importantly, can be identified and monitored in the fetus. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.