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Coronary artery aneurysms detected by computed tomography coronary angiography

Ernesto Forte1, Marco Aiello1, Marianna Inglese1

  • 1IRCCS SDN, Via E. Gianturco 113, 80143 Naples, Italy.

European Heart Journal. Cardiovascular Imaging
|December 28, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) offers a non-invasive method to detect coronary artery aneurysms (CAAs), accurately assessing their prevalence and features, even with intraluminal thrombi. This technique overcomes limitations of invasive coronary angiography.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Radiology
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Coronary artery aneurysms (CAAs) are localized dilations of coronary arteries, often incidentally found.
  • Invasive coronary angiography (ICA) is standard but may underestimate aneurysm size due to thrombi.
  • Computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) offers superior visualization of coronary lumen and intraluminal thrombi.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of CAAs using CTCA.
  • To compare CTCA findings with invasive coronary angiography (ICA) limitations.
  • To assess CTCA's ability to visualize aneurysms with intraluminal thrombi.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 390 CTCA scans.
  • Identification of 9 patients with CAAs (aneurysmal group) and matched controls.
  • Comparison of clinical variables and imaging findings between groups.

Main Results:

  • CAAs prevalence was 2.31% in the studied population.
  • 15 CAAs were detected, predominantly in the right coronary artery (RCA).
  • CTCA revealed aneurysmal thrombosis in 66.7% and associated stenoses in 55.5% of cases.

Conclusions:

  • CTCA enables non-invasive estimation of CAA prevalence and detailed characterization.
  • CTCA overcomes ICA limitations, providing precise analysis of aneurysms, including those with thrombi.
  • CTCA enhances the understanding of coronary anatomy in patients with CAAs.
Abstract

Keywords:
atherosclerosiscomputed tomographycoronary angiographycoronary artery aneurysmcoronary artery disease

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