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Giant coronary artery aneurysm causing superior vena cava syndrome and congestive heart failure

Gautam Kumar1, Barry L Karon, William D Edwards

  • 1Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.

The American Journal of Cardiology
|September 26, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Giant coronary artery aneurysms, rare dilations of heart arteries, can cause serious conditions like superior vena cava syndrome and heart failure. This case highlights their potential for severe complications.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Vascular Medicine
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Coronary artery aneurysms (CAAs) are localized dilations >1.5 times adjacent segments.
  • In adults, CAAs are typically atherosclerotic and often asymptomatic.
  • Giant CAAs are particularly rare and their clinical manifestations are not well-documented.

Observation:

  • This report details the first case of a giant coronary artery aneurysm causing superior vena cava syndrome and heart failure.
  • Diagnostic imaging included chest x-ray, echocardiography, CT, and coronary angiography.
  • Findings revealed cardiomegaly and a mass consistent with a giant CAA.

Findings:

  • A giant coronary artery aneurysm was identified as the cause of superior vena cava syndrome.
  • The aneurysm's mass effect led to significant cardiac compromise and heart failure.
  • Diagnostic modalities confirmed the aneurysm's size and location.

Implications:

  • Giant coronary artery aneurysms can present with life-threatening complications, including superior vena cava syndrome.
  • Early diagnosis and recognition of CAA-related complications are crucial for patient management.
  • This case expands the known clinical spectrum of giant coronary artery aneurysms.

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