Giant right coronary artery to coronary sinus fistula

Background: We describe a giant right coronary artery (RCA) to coronary sinus (CS) fistula in a 59-year-old woman who presented to our institution with right heart enlargement.

Methods: Investigation revealed an ectatic 22mm RCA draining into an enlarged CS, and a Qp:Qs of 2.0. We proceeded with surgery. After initiating cardiopulmonary bypass and electrical arrest, the distal RCA was opened. An opening into the CS was confirmed and closed with a bovine pericardium patch. The RCA origin was triply ligated. Anastomoses of a saphenous vein graft to the posterior descending artery and the right ventricular marginal artery were performed, followed by anastomosis to the ascending aorta.

Results: Post-operatively, mixed venous oxygen saturation was 76%. Six months later the patient was doing well.

Conclusion: Coronary artery fistulas are rare congenital anomalies for which the ideal management strategies remain under study, with surgical repair being the mainstay of treatment in complex, aneurysmal fistulas.