Left anterior descending coronary aneurysm
Julie-Ann S Lloyd1, Eric S Weiss, Luca A Vricella
1, Division of Cardiac Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Blalock 618, 600 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
Asian Cardiovascular & Thoracic Annals
|June 12, 2009
Summary
A ruptured coronary artery aneurysm caused cardiac tamponade in a young man. Surgical bypass using a saphenous vein graft successfully treated this rare cardiovascular emergency.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Interventional Cardiology
- Cardiac Imaging
Background:
- Coronary artery aneurysms are rare, particularly in young individuals.
- Ruptured coronary artery aneurysms can lead to life-threatening complications such as cardiac tamponade.
- Early diagnosis and prompt surgical intervention are crucial for favorable outcomes.
Observation:
- A 19-year-old male presented with retrosternal chest pain and hemodynamic instability.
- Echocardiography and CT revealed significant pericardial effusion causing cardiac tamponade.
- Intraoperative findings identified a 3-cm ruptured aneurysm of the left anterior descending coronary artery.
Findings:
- The ruptured left anterior descending coronary artery aneurysm was successfully repaired.
- A saphenous vein graft was used for bypass, anastomosed to the ascending aorta.
- The patient's hemodynamic instability resolved post-operatively.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering coronary artery aneurysms in the differential diagnosis of chest pain and hemodynamic compromise in young adults.
- Successful surgical management underscores the efficacy of bypass grafting for ruptured coronary artery aneurysms.
- Advances in cardiac imaging and surgical techniques improve the management of rare cardiovascular pathologies.
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