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Published on: February 16, 2016
Multivessel coronary-ventricular fistulae and ischaemia on cardiac MRI
Insights
Multivessel coronary ventricular fistulae, a rare anomaly, can cause a coronary steal phenomenon. Cardiac MRI confirmed subendocardial ischemia in a patient, validating this rare condition.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiac Imaging
- Congenital Heart Disease
Background:
- Multivessel coronary ventricular fistulae are rare coronary anomalies.
- Their clinical and hemodynamic significance remains controversial.
- Potential origins include arterioluminal or arteriosinusoidal connections.
Observation:
- A 69-year-old female presented with exertional dyspnea and atypical chest pain.
- She had multivessel coronary to left ventricular fistulae.
- Cardiac MRI with adenosine stress was performed for evaluation.
Findings:
- The cardiac MRI revealed subendocardial ischemia in multiple coronary territories.
- This finding confirmed a coronary steal phenomenon.
- The results highlight the hemodynamic impact of these fistulae.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering coronary ventricular fistulae in patients with unexplained ischemic symptoms.
- Cardiac MRI with stress is a valuable tool for diagnosing coronary steal.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the clinical significance and management of these anomalies.
Abstract:
Multivessel coronary ventricular fistulae is a rare coronary anomaly whose origin is believed to be from an arterioluminal or arteriosinusoidal connection with the ventricle. The clinical and haemodynamic significance of these fistulae have been a source of controversy despite varying methods of evaluation. A 69 year old female with exertional dyspnoea, atypical chest pain and multivessel coronary to left ventricular fistulae underwent cardiac MRI with adenosine stress. Subendocardial ischaemia was present in multiple coronary territories therefore confirming a coronary steal phenomenon.
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