Aortico-left ventricular tunnel. Clinical profile, diagnostic features, and surgical consideration.

Case histories of 2 patients with aortico-left ventricular tunnel are reported. A review of the literature on this subject shows a unique clinical profile. The electrocardiographic (ECG) and roentgenographic features as well as the hemodynamic and angiographic data of 18 previously reported patients are reviewed. The anatomy and pathophysiology of the defect are discussed and surgical management is described. It is recommended that surgical correction be carried out as soon as the diagnosis is established.