The present perspective is a synthesis of published investigations in the setting of subvalvular aortic aneurysms. We identified 75 investigations and reviewed the clinical presentation, diagnostic modalities used, surgical techniques employed, and their outcomes. Clinical presentation, radiographic findings, transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography, electrocardiogram-gated computerized tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging provided the diagnostic information and were used to define the disease entity before surgery. In this article, we have attempted to address several issues concerning establishment of diagnosis, varied clinical presentation, and their management. We submit that an increased appreciation of this disease entity will contribute to improved surgical management.
Keywords: bicuspid aortic valve; congenital subvalvular aortic aneurysm; left ventricular aneurysms; myocardial ischemia; subaortic aneurysm with aortic/mitral discontinuity; subaortic mycotic aneurysm; subvalvular aortic aneurysm; sudden death.