Multiple coronary artery-left ventricular microfistulae in a patient with apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: a demonstration by transthoracic color Doppler echocardiography

Yonsei Med J. 2003 Aug 30;44(4):710-4. doi: 10.3349/ymj.2003.44.4.710.

Abstract

Among the congenital coronary artery fistulae, multiple coronary artery microfistulae arising from the left and right coronary artery and emptying into the left ventricle are very rare and little is known of their anatomic and clinical features, especially in apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. A 67-year- old woman was referred for the evaluation of chest pain at exertion, and shortness of breath. Electrocardiographic and echocardiographic findings were typical of apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Coronary arteriography showed normal epicardial coronary arteries, but multiple coronary artery-left ventricular microfistulae arising from the left and right coronary arteries. Transthoracic color Doppler echocardiography, using a high frequency transducer with a low Nyquist limit, demonstrated multiple coronary artery-left ventricular microfistulae just beneath the apical impulse window.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic / complications*
  • Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic / diagnosis
  • Coronary Angiography
  • Coronary Vessel Anomalies / complications*
  • Coronary Vessel Anomalies / diagnosis
  • Coronary Vessel Anomalies / diagnostic imaging*
  • Echocardiography
  • Electrocardiography
  • Female
  • Heart Defects, Congenital / complications*
  • Heart Defects, Congenital / diagnosis
  • Heart Defects, Congenital / diagnostic imaging*
  • Heart Ventricles
  • Humans
  • Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular / complications
  • Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular / diagnosis