Cardiac tamponade during transesophageal echocardiography in a patient with infective endocarditis.

An 81-year-old man with a history of diabetes mellitus and end-stage renal disease was admitted because of infective endocarditis. During transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), pericardial effusion rapidly increased and led to cardiac tamponade. Despite intensive therapy, the patient did not recover. Autopsy showed hemopericardium, ruptured sinus of Valsalva, and vegetation on the aortic valve. Our case suggests that cardiac tamponade due to the rupture of a sinus of Valsalva can occur in patients with aortic valve endocarditis complicated by perivalvular abscess. Therefore, we must be aware of this devastating complication and take preventive measures when performing TEE in such patients.