Congenital high flow coronary cameral fistula in an 81-year-old woman: management problems

Can J Cardiol. 1992 Nov;8(9):917-20.

Abstract

An 81-year-old woman presenting with severe congestive heart failure was found to have a congenital right coronary fistula draining into the superior vena cava. The diagnosis was suspected on transthoracic two-dimensional echo-Doppler study and confirmed with coronary angiography. Transesophageal echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging were nondiagnostic. An attempt to close the fistula with transcatheter embolization using a detachable latex balloon was unsuccessful because of the very large size of the fistula. Follow-up showed a favorable outcome with medical therapy. Despite the advent of more recent diagnostic and therapeutic techniques, management of such large fistulae remains unresolved.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Arteriovenous Fistula / complications
  • Arteriovenous Fistula / congenital*
  • Arteriovenous Fistula / diagnosis
  • Arteriovenous Fistula / therapy*
  • Cardiac Catheterization
  • Coronary Vessels*
  • Echocardiography, Doppler
  • Embolization, Therapeutic
  • Female
  • Heart Failure / etiology
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Vena Cava, Superior*