Traumatic aortic-right ventricular fistula.

AORTIC-RIGHT VENTRICULAR fistula, an uncommon lesion, is rarely the result of a penetrating wound of the heart. Such fistulas are characterized by peripheral signs suggestive of aortic insufficiency, the appearance of a continuous murmur, and the rapid development of right ventricular failure. Prior to the development of techniques which now permit surgical repair under direct vision, the clinical course of a patient with a communication between the aortic root and right ventricle was usually fatal, but in recent years 4 traumatic aortic-right ventricular fistulas have been successfully repaired. I We recently observed an aortic-right ventricular fistula which resulted from a stab wound. Report of a Case On May 13, 1961, at 4:00a.m., a 36-year-old male laborer was admitted to Cook County Hospital with a stab wound of the left anterior chest. He was in profound shock and an infusion of phenylephrine in 5% dextrose and water was started immediately.