Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026
04:40
Identifying Coronary Artery Calcification on Non-gated Computed Tomography Scans
Published on: August 28, 2018
Giant right coronary artery aneurysm on 64-MDCT
Sergio G Pasian1, Kiat T Tan, Visal Pen
1Department of Medical Imaging, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. sgpasian@yahoo.com.br
Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine (Hagerstown, Md.)
|October 16, 2009
Summary
A giant atherosclerotic aneurysm of the right coronary artery was discovered in an 81-year-old woman. This large coronary artery aneurysm compressed multiple cardiac structures, including the right atrium and superior vena cava.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Interventional Cardiology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Echocardiography is a primary imaging modality for cardiac assessment.
- Cardiac computed tomography-angiography (CCTA) provides detailed anatomical information of coronary arteries and surrounding structures.
- Aneurysms of the coronary arteries, while rare, can lead to significant clinical complications.
Observation:
- An 81-year-old woman presented with an incidental finding of an extracardiac mass on echocardiography.
- Subsequent cardiac computed tomography-angiography (CCTA) was performed for further characterization.
- CCTA revealed a giant aneurysm of the right coronary artery.
Findings:
- The right coronary artery aneurysm measured 80 mm in maximal diameter.
- The giant aneurysm was causing significant mass effect on adjacent cardiac structures.
- Compression was noted on the right atrium, right atrial appendage, proximal superior vena cava, right ventricle inlet, and tricuspid annulus.
Implications:
- Giant coronary artery aneurysms are rare and require accurate diagnosis and characterization.
- The mass effect from large aneurysms can lead to hemodynamic compromise and cardiac dysfunction.
- Multimodality imaging, including CCTA, is crucial for evaluating the extent and impact of coronary artery aneurysms.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Imaging 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...
01:21Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System IV: CMRI
Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging, or CMRI, is a non-invasive diagnostic test that employs a magnetic field and radiofrequency waves to create precise images of the heart and arteries. It provides comprehensive information about cardiac anatomy, function, perfusion, and tissue characterization without ionizing radiation.IndicationsCMRI diagnoses various heart conditions, including tissue damage from heart attacks, ischemic heart disease, myocarditis, aortic issues (tears, aneurysms,...
01:30Aneurysm I: Introduction
An aortic aneurysm is a localized outpouching or dilation at a weak point in the artery wall. It may involve different parts of the aorta, such as the abdominal aorta, aortic arch, or thoracic aorta.Etiological factorsSeveral disorders are associated with aortic aneurysms.Congenital causes, such as primary connective tissue disorders like Marfan syndrome, impact the integrity and strength of connective tissues, notably affecting the aorta. Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder that specifically...
01:22Aortic 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...
01:21Aneurysm 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...
01:26Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care
Aneurysm management involves either conservative medical therapy or surgical intervention, depending on the size and symptoms of the aneurysm. Conservative management is generally reserved for smaller, asymptomatic aneurysms, while larger or symptomatic aneurysms often necessitate surgical repair.Conservative Medical TherapyFor small, asymptomatic aneurysms, particularly abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) less than 5.5 centimeters in diameter, conservative medical therapy is recommended. This...