Infective endocarditis related to a coronary artery fistula with an unusual localization and ectatic coronary

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 21, 2026

Direct Re-implantation of Left Coronary Artery into the Aorta in Adults with Anomalous Origin of Left Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery ALCAPA
13:10

Direct Re-implantation of Left Coronary Artery into the Aorta in Adults with Anomalous Origin of Left Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery ALCAPA

Published on: April 24, 2017

17.6K

Demet Menekse Gerede1, Aynur Acibuca, Caglar Uzun

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.

Echocardiography (Mount Kisco, N.Y.)
|November 4, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Coronary artery fistulas (CAF) are rare but can cause serious heart issues. This case highlights an unusual CAF linked to infective endocarditis, requiring surgical treatment for both conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Cardiac Surgery
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Coronary artery fistulas (CAF) are uncommon congenital or acquired heart abnormalities.
  • CAFs can lead to significant complications including heart failure and cardiac tamponade.
  • CAF has been anecdotally linked to bacterial endocarditis.

Observation:

  • A 31-year-old male presented with native valve infective endocarditis.
  • The endocarditis was associated with an unusual coronary artery fistula (CAF) between the circumflex artery and the left ventricle.
  • The patient also exhibited giant coronary arteries, with the circumflex and left main coronary arteries measuring 19 mm in diameter.

Findings:

  • Computed tomography angiography and transesophageal echocardiography were used to image the giant coronary arteries and the CAF.
  • Surgical valve intervention was necessary due to antibiotic-resistant vegetations.
  • The coronary artery fistula was surgically repaired concurrently with valve surgery.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of considering CAF in patients presenting with infective endocarditis.
  • Unusual CAF presentations, even with giant coronary arteries, require tailored surgical management.
  • Successful surgical treatment of both infective endocarditis and CAF can be achieved simultaneously.

Keywords:
coronary artery fistulagiant coronary arteryinfective endocarditis

More Related Videos

Isolation of Endocardial and Coronary Endothelial Cells from the Ventricular Free Wall of the Rat Heart08:22

Isolation of Endocardial and Coronary Endothelial Cells from the Ventricular Free Wall of the Rat Heart

Published on: April 15, 2020

19.6K

Related Concept Videos

Endocarditis I: Introduction01:25

Endocarditis I: Introduction

Introduction:Endocarditis is the infection of the endocardium, the inner lining of the heart and its valves. When the heart muscle is involved, the condition is termed myocarditis, while an infection of the outer lining is called pericarditis. Infective endocarditis (IE) primarily affects the endocardium, where pathogens adhere to the valves or lining, forming vegetation that can lead to severe complications. Infective endocarditis occurs when microorganisms, usually bacteria from other body...
848
Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis01:25

Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis

Endocarditis can present various clinical features depending on the causative organism and the patient's underlying health conditions. Initially, the clinical features of infective endocarditis develop gradually, presenting with nonspecific symptoms that can be easily mistaken for other illnesses.General SymptomsEarly symptoms of infective endocarditis are fever, chills, weakness, malaise, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms reflect the systemic nature of the infection and the body's...
899
Endocarditis III: Medical Management01:18

Endocarditis III: Medical Management

Infective endocarditis management involves a multifaceted approach encompassing infection prevention, lifestyle modifications, pharmacological therapy, and surgical management.Infection Prevention:Hand Hygiene: Thorough handwashing is crucial to prevent the spread of infection. Hand hygiene should be performed regularly, especially before and after using the restroom.Oral Hygiene: Good oral hygiene is essential. It includes brushing teeth immediately after waking up and before bed, flossing...
356
Endocarditis IV: Nursing Management01:29

Endocarditis IV: Nursing Management

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a chronic infection of the heart's endocardium, primarily affecting the heart valves. A detailed nursing assessment for a patient with IE involves collecting subjective and objective data to ensure an accurate diagnosis and timely intervention.Subjective DataThe nurse gathers information about the patient's symptoms and complaints during the subjective assessment. Patients with infective endocarditis often report non-specific symptoms that can mimic other...
624
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction01:23

Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction

Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...
987
Myocarditis I: Introduction01:21

Myocarditis I: Introduction

Myocarditis is inflammation of the myocardium, which is the muscular layer of the heart.EtiologyMyocarditis has a diverse etiology, including a wide range of infectious and non-infectious causes:Infectious CausesViral: Common viruses include Coxsackie A and B, adenovirus, parvovirus B19, enteroviruses, and influenza A.Bacterial: Examples include infections caused by Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Mycoplasma species.Rickettsial: Infections like Rocky Mountain spotted fever can result in...
630