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A case report of a patient with a large aneurysmatic coronary artery fistula

W Anné1, J Bogaert, F Van de Werf

  • 1Department of Cardiology, UZ Gasthuisberg, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium. Wim.Anne@uz.kuleuven.ac.be

Acta Cardiologica
|December 5, 2000
PubMed

Insights

A rare congenital heart defect, coronary artery fistula, can cause heart failure in adults. This case highlights a large, aneurysmal fistula from the left coronary artery to the superior vena cava in a 65-year-old patient.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Congenital Heart Disease
  • Vascular Malformations

Background:

  • Coronary artery fistula (CAF) is a rare congenital anomaly.
  • While often asymptomatic, CAFs can manifest in adulthood with significant complications.

Observation:

  • A 65-year-old patient presented with symptoms indicative of heart failure.
  • Clinical evaluation revealed signs of decompensated cardiac function.

Findings:

  • Angiography identified a large, aneurysmal fistula originating from the left coronary artery.
  • The fistula terminated at the junction of the superior vena cava and the right atrium.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the potential for late-onset symptomatic presentation of coronary artery fistulas.
  • Large aneurysmal CAFs require careful consideration in the differential diagnosis of adult heart failure.
  • Understanding anomalous coronary anatomy is crucial for effective management of cardiovascular conditions.

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