Coronary artery to pulmonary artery fistulae with multiple aneurysms: radiological features on dual-source 64-slice

A Tomasian1, M Lell, J Currier

  • 1Department of Radiological Sciences, University of California at Los Angeles, 10945 Le Conte Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90095-7206, USA. atomasian@mednet.ucla.edu

Insights

Coronary artery fistulas are rare vascular anomalies. This case highlights a 66-year-old man diagnosed with two separate coronary artery to pulmonary artery fistulas, one with aneurysms, using advanced imaging.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Vascular Surgery
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Coronary artery fistula (CAF) is a rare congenital or acquired condition characterized by abnormal communication between a coronary artery and a cardiac chamber or great vessel.
  • CAFs can lead to significant cardiovascular complications, including heart failure, myocardial infarction, and arrhythmias.

Observation:

  • A 66-year-old male patient presented with findings suggestive of coronary artery anomalies.
  • Diagnostic imaging revealed two distinct coronary artery to pulmonary artery fistulas.
  • One of the identified fistulas exhibited multiple aneurysmal dilations.

Findings:

  • Dual-source 64-slice coronary CT angiography successfully diagnosed the complex coronary artery fistulas.
  • Coronary catheter angiography confirmed the anatomical details and extent of the fistulas.
  • The presence of multiple aneurysms in one fistula adds complexity to the case.

Implications:

  • Accurate diagnosis of coronary artery fistulas is crucial for appropriate management and prevention of complications.
  • Advanced multi-detector CT angiography offers high resolution for visualizing complex vascular structures like CAFs.
  • This case underscores the importance of considering rare vascular anomalies in adult patients with cardiovascular symptoms.

Related Concept Videos

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT01:28

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT

Cardiac computed tomography (CT) scanning is an advanced cardiac imaging technique that utilizes CT technology, with or without intravenous (IV) contrast, to produce accurate cross-sectional virtual slices of specific areas of the heart, coronary circulation, and major blood vessels such as the aorta, pulmonary veins, and arteries. The computer processes these slices to generate three-dimensional images. Multidetector CT (MDCT) is a rapid form of CT scanning that captures multiple slices...
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:22

Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Aortic valve regurgitation (AR) occurs when the aortic valve fails to close properly, allowing blood to flow backward from the aorta into the left ventricle. This backflow can result in two distinct clinical presentations: acute and chronic AR, each characterized by its own set of symptoms and physical findings.Acute Aortic RegurgitationAcute AR presents with a sudden onset of severe symptoms. Patients typically experience profound dyspnea (shortness of breath), chest pain, and signs of left...
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:21

Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Thoracic, aortic arch and abdominal aneurysms are significant vascular conditions that can present with various clinical manifestations and lead to serious complications. Understanding these manifestations and the appropriate diagnostic studies is essential for effective management and treatment.Thoracic Aortic AneurysmsThoracic aortic aneurysms often remain asymptomatic until they reach a size that impinges on adjacent structures. They typically cause deep, diffuse chest pain that radiates to...
Radiological Investigation III: Pulmonary Angiogram and PET Scan01:13

Radiological Investigation III: Pulmonary Angiogram and PET Scan

Radiological investigations are paramount in the diagnosis and management of various pulmonary diseases. Two essential investigations are the Pulmonary Angiogram and the Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan.
Pulmonary Angiogram
A Pulmonary Angiogram is an invasive procedure involving injecting a contrast medium through a catheter threaded into the pulmonary artery or the right side of the heart to visualize the pulmonary vasculature. Computed Tomography (CT) scans have mainly replaced this...
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray01:20

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray

The most common cardiovascular diagnostic test is an X-ray. It produces images of the heart, blood vessels, and adjacent structures.
Definition and Purpose
An X-ray, or radiograph, is a non-invasive method that uses ionizing radiation to take images of internal structures. It is mainly used in cardiac imaging to examine the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels, aiming to identify abnormalities in the heart's size, shape, and position, such as heart failure, congenital defects, and vascular...
Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests01:23

Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests

Mitral stenosis is a heart condition in which the mitral valve, which allows blood to flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle, becomes narrowed or stenotic. This narrowing hinders blood flow and leads to clinical symptoms requiring specific medical evaluations and management strategies. The following overview outlines the clinical symptoms, assessments, diagnostic findings, prevention methods, and treatments for mitral stenosis.Clinical ManifestationsDyspnea (shortness of breath): This...