Coronary artery fistula draining into the left ventricle

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Cardiovascular Imaging
• Medical Case Reports

Background:

• Coronary artery fistulas are abnormal connections between coronary arteries and heart chambers or vessels.
• Left ventricular drainage is a rare presentation of coronary artery anomalies.

Observation:

• A 48-year-old male presented with an incidental finding of coronary artery fistula.
• Transthoracic echocardiography revealed abnormal blood flow into the left ventricle and enlarged coronary arteries.
• Coronary computed tomography demonstrated a dilated left coronary artery wrapping around the left ventricle and draining posteriorly.

Findings:

• The patient had a significant coronary artery fistula with drainage into the left ventricle.
• Imaging showed diffuse dilatation of the left coronary artery and surrounding vascularity.
• The patient remained asymptomatic, necessitating conservative management.

Implications:

• This case highlights the importance of non-invasive imaging in diagnosing rare coronary artery anomalies.
• Asymptomatic coronary artery fistulas draining into the left ventricle may not require immediate intervention.
• Understanding the anatomical variations of coronary artery fistulas is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management planning.