Adult Echocardiography Practice Exam

What is the most common location for a ruptured sinus of Valsalva?

1. A. right ventricle

2. B. left atrium

3. C. left ventricle

4. D. right atrium

The correct answer is: A. right ventricle

The most common location for a ruptured sinus of Valsalva is indeed the right ventricle. In the context of the heart's anatomy, the sinus of Valsalva refers to the dilations of the aortic root just above the aortic valve. When a rupture occurs, it typically forms a fistula leading into the right ventricular outflow tract or directly into the right ventricle itself. Ruptures here often result from congenital defects such as sinus of Valsalva aneurysms or traumatic injuries that weaken the wall of the sinus. The right ventricle is particularly prone to being affected because it is positioned directly anteriorly to the aortic root. This anatomical relationship makes it the most likely receiving chamber for any rupture. Understanding this anatomical detail helps explain why ruptures into the left atrium, left ventricle, or right atrium are less common, as those chambers do not have as direct an anatomic connection to the sinus of Valsalva as the right ventricle does. Therefore, recognizing the typical course of these ruptures is crucial for assessment and management in echocardiographic practice.