Related Experiment Videos
Ruptured right coronary artery aneurysm presenting as a myocardial mass
Luis D Berrizbeitia1, Louis E Samuels
1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Hahnemann University Hospital, MCP-Hahnemann University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. ldberriz@ctsx.net
Insights
Ruptured coronary artery aneurysms can form a right ventricular mass. This case highlights diagnosis via echocardiogram and surgical findings during coronary artery bypass surgery.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Cardiac Surgery
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Coronary artery aneurysms (CAAs) are rare vascular dilatations.
- Rupture can lead to complications like contained hematomas.
- Intramyocardial or intracavitary masses are uncommon sequelae.
Observation:
- A patient presented with a right ventricular mass.
- Preoperative transthoracic echocardiogram suggested the mass.
- The mass was confirmed during elective coronary artery bypass surgery.
Findings:
- The right ventricular mass was identified as a contained coronary artery aneurysm rupture.
- This presentation is an uncommon manifestation of coronary artery aneurysm rupture.
- Diagnostic imaging and surgical exploration were key to identification.
Implications:
- Understanding this rare presentation is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
- Early suspicion and appropriate imaging can guide management.
- This case contributes to the literature on coronary artery aneurysm complications.
Abstract:
Rupture of a coronary artery aneurysm may result in a contained hematoma and an intramyocardial mass. We present a case of a contained coronary artery aneurysm rupture presenting as a mass in the right ventricle. The mass was suspected in a preoperative transthoracic echocardiogram and identified at the time of elective coronary artery bypass surgery. We discuss the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic features, and management of this uncommon clinical presentation.