A giant coronary artery aneurysm in the right coronary artery
Michael J Collins1, Aidan J Borges, Gursharan Singh
1Department of Pathology, Toronto General Hospital/University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Insights
Giant coronary artery aneurysms are rare and often asymptomatic, typically found during investigations for heart disease. This case highlights a large right coronary artery aneurysm discovered incidentally during surgery.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Surgery
- Pathology
Background:
- Coronary artery aneurysms (CAAs) are uncommon vascular abnormalities.
- Atherosclerosis is the most frequent underlying cause.
- CAAs are often asymptomatic and diagnosed incidentally.
Observation:
- A case of a "giant" right coronary artery aneurysm (CAA) is presented.
- The aneurysm was discovered incidentally during a surgical procedure.
- Pathological examination was performed.
Findings:
- The aneurysm was confirmed as a true aneurysm.
- Histopathology revealed significant thinning of the arterial media.
- Fibrocalcific plaques and lymphocytic infiltrates were noted.
Implications:
- Giant CAAs, though rare, require careful consideration in surgical planning.
- Understanding the pathological features is crucial for diagnosis and management.
- This case contributes to the literature on rare coronary artery pathologies.
Abstract:
Aneurysms of the coronary arteries are uncommon occurrences that usually develop secondary to atherosclerosis and are often asymptomatic. They are usually diagnosed incidentally during investigation for ischemic heart disease or at autopsy for sudden death. We present a case of a "giant" right coronary artery aneurysm (CAA) discovered incidentally at surgery. Pathological examination confirmed that this was a true aneurysm showing marked thinning of the media and fibrocalcific plaques with small, multifocal areas of lymphocytic infiltrates.
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