Coronary artery fistula: diagnostic role of transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography

Minerva Cardioangiol. 2008 Jun;56(3):361-4.

Abstract

Congenital coronary artery fistulas (CAFs) are rare. Some patients develop symptoms of congestive heart failure secondary to a large left-to-right shunt or myocardial ischemia from coronary artery steal in the first few years after birth. After the second decade the frequency of symptoms and complications increase. We report a case of CAF originating from the circumflex artery and draining into the coronary sinus, associated with left main coronary aneurysm. Transtho-racic and transesophageal echocardiography approach showed the origin, course, and drainage site of the CAF. This case represents a typical sample of this rare anomaly and puts into evidence the essential role of echocardiography to define and complete the angiographic diagnosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Coronary Vessels / diagnostic imaging*
  • Echocardiography*
  • Echocardiography, Transesophageal*
  • Electrocardiography
  • Female
  • Fistula / complications
  • Fistula / diagnostic imaging*
  • Heart Failure / diagnostic imaging
  • Heart Failure / etiology
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged