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Identifying Coronary Artery Calcification on Non-gated Computed Tomography Scans
Published on: August 28, 2018
Non-invasive recognition of generalized coronary arteriosystemic fistulae by contrast echocardiography and
Jeong Joo Woo1, Young Youp Koh, Sung Il Ha
1Department of Radiology, Eulji General Hospital, Eulji University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Insights
Generalized coronary arteriosystemic fistulae, rare conditions where all major coronary arteries drain into the left ventricle, can cause myocardial ischemia. Non-invasive imaging aids early recognition of these complex fistulae.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Radiology
Background:
- Coronary artery fistulae are typically found incidentally during invasive procedures.
- Generalized coronary arteriosystemic fistulae involve all three major coronary arteries draining into the left ventricle.
Observation:
- A 73-year-old female presented with exertional dyspnea, an anginal equivalent.
- The patient was diagnosed with generalized coronary arteriosystemic fistulae.
Findings:
- Generalized coronary arteriosystemic fistulae can lead to myocardial ischemia and left ventricular diastolic volume overload due to a left-to-left shunt.
- Transthoracic contrast echocardiography and multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) coronary angiography were crucial for non-invasive diagnosis.
- Imaging revealed a network of small vessels exclusively draining into the left ventricle.
Implications:
- This case highlights the diagnostic utility of non-invasive imaging modalities in identifying generalized coronary arteriosystemic fistulae.
- Further understanding of the clinical and hemodynamic consequences of these shunts is needed.
- Early recognition through advanced imaging can potentially guide management strategies for patients with this rare condition.
Abstract:
Coronary artery fistulae, including generalized coronary arteriosystemic fistulae, are usually identified incidentally during invasive coronary angiographies. Generalized or multiple coronary arteriosystemic fistulae arise from all three major coronary arteries draining into the left ventricular chamber. In a patient with generalized coronary arteriosystemic fistulae, myocardial ischemia and diastolic volume overload of the left ventricle can be caused by a left-to-left shunt; however, the clinical and hemodynamic consequences are incompletely understood. We report the case of generalized coronary arteriosystemic fistulae in a 73-year-old female who presented with mild exertional dyspnea as an anginal equivalent. This case report represents the complementary, non-invasive role of transthoracic contrast echocardiography and multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) coronary angiography in the early recognition of generalized coronary arteriosystemic fistulae by demonstrating a plexus of multiple small vessels emptying exclusively into the left ventricle.
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