Aortic wall alterations after use of gelatin-resorcinol-formalin glue

We report the case of a patient who underwent reoperation 8 years after aortic valve replacement because of aneurysmal dilatation of the aortic root. During the initial intervention, gelatin-resorcinol-formalin glue had been applied on the outside of the aortic root. Perioperative examination revealed a necrotic appearance of the right coronary sinus, with contained ruptures at two different sites. Histologic analysis showed major destruction of the aortic root media, leading to vascular wall thinning and rupture. The use of gelatin-resorcinol-formalin glue may expose patients to major alterations of the aortic wall. (C) 2002 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.