Diagnostic dilemma in a middle-aged man with heart failure

Int J Cardiol. 2008 Mar 28;125(1):107-8. doi: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2006.12.078. Epub 2007 Apr 16.

Abstract

We report a middle-age man presented with shortness of breath. Echocardiography revealed globally hypokinetic LV with poor function. Coronary angiograms showed no obstructive coronary artery lesions but multiple coronary fistulae to pulmonary artery without significant left to right shunt. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated normal myocardial perfusion and absence of myocardial scarring. His condition improved with medications with fistulae left untreated. This case illustrates the importance of functional assessment of a rare clinical condition (coronary fistula) in patients with common clinical presentation (congestive heart failure) prior to definitive treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • Arterio-Arterial Fistula / diagnosis*
  • Coronary Angiography
  • Coronary Artery Disease / diagnosis*
  • Coronary Vessels / pathology*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Heart Failure / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pulmonary Artery / pathology*
  • Stroke Volume