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Updated: Jul 9, 2026

In Vivo Quantitative Assessment of Myocardial Structure, Function, Perfusion and Viability Using Cardiac Micro-computed Tomography
Published on: February 16, 2016
Cardiac imaging in a symptomatic patient with multiple coronary artery-left ventricular microfistulae
Marc Hartmann1, Jan van Es, Michel A Galjee
1Department of Cardiology, Thoraxcentrum Twente, Medisch Spectrum Twente, Haaksbergerstraat 55, 7513, ER, Enschede, The Netherlands. mail.m.hartmann@web.de
Insights
This case study details a rare condition of coronary artery-left ventricular microfistulae in a patient experiencing acute coronary syndrome. Advanced imaging confirmed significant abnormalities, highlighting the importance of comprehensive evaluation for this uncommon cardiac anomaly.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiac Imaging
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) necessitates thorough etiological investigation.
- Coronary artery-left ventricular microfistulae represent a rare but significant cardiac anomaly.
- Understanding the clinical significance of microfistulae requires advanced diagnostic modalities.
Observation:
- A 44-year-old female presented with acute coronary syndrome.
- Coronary angiography revealed multiple coronary artery-left ventricular microfistulae.
- The patient exhibited symptoms indicative of myocardial ischemia.
Findings:
- Echocardiography demonstrated structural and functional cardiac abnormalities.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provided detailed anatomical insights.
- Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) revealed perfusion deficits, confirming clinical significance.
Implications:
- This case underscores the diagnostic utility of multimodal cardiac imaging in rare conditions.
- Early identification and characterization of coronary artery-left ventricular microfistulae are crucial for patient management.
- Further research into the pathophysiology and long-term outcomes of this anomaly is warranted.
Abstract:
We present the case of a 44-year-old woman with acute coronary syndrome and multiple coronary artery-left ventricular microfistulae at angiography. To evaluate the clinical significance of this observation and to obtain further insights into this rare disease, the patient was further examined with echocardiography and both magnetic resonance imaging and single-photon emission computed tomography, which showed considerable abnormalities.
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