Rare cause of abdominal pain and shock: Rupture of a sinus of Valsalva aneurysm

Abstract Cardiogenic shock is defined by tissue hypoperfusion due to heart failure. The manifestations of acute right ventricular (RV) failure include a distended jugular vein and hypotension, but not rales. The causes of isolated acute RV failure include RV infarction, pulmonary embolism, cardiac tamponade, congenital disease, and valvular heart disease. Rupture of a sinus of Valsalva aneurysm (SVA) is rarely seen in emergency departments (EDs). We report a 46 year-old male who suffered from SVA rupture triggering acute RV failure and cardiogenic shock.