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Interventional Diagnostic Procedure: A Practical Guide for the Assessment of Coronary Vascular Function
10:28

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CT angiography of coronary artery aneurysms: detection, definition, causes, and treatment

Pamela T Johnson1, Elliot K Fishman

  • 1Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. pjohnso5@jhmi.edu

AJR. American Journal of Roentgenology
|September 23, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Coronary artery aneurysms are increasingly detected with multi-detector CT (MDCT) imaging. Their causes, CT appearance, and outcomes vary, necessitating tailored management strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Imaging
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Coronary artery aneurysms (CAAs) are uncommon vascular abnormalities.
  • Etiologies range from congenital factors to acquired conditions like atherosclerosis and vasculitis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review predisposing conditions for CAAs.
  • To outline diagnostic criteria and CT findings.
  • To discuss potential complications and management.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on coronary artery aneurysms.
  • Analysis of multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) imaging characteristics.
  • Correlation of imaging findings with clinical presentation and etiology.

Main Results:

  • MDCT is crucial for identifying CAAs, with increasing detection rates.
  • Specific CT appearances are associated with different underlying causes.
  • Potential complications include thrombosis, rupture, and distal embolization.

Conclusions:

  • Increased utilization of MDCT leads to more frequent CAA diagnosis.
  • The cause of a coronary artery aneurysm dictates its imaging features, management, and clinical course.
Abstract

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