Rationale and design of a multicenter, international and collaborative Coronary Artery Aneurysm Registry (CAAR)

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Vascular Medicine
• Medical Research

Background:

• Coronary artery aneurysm (CAA) is defined as a coronary dilation exceeding adjacent segments by 1.5×.
• CAA is uncommon, with reported incidence of 1.5–5%, predominantly in males and affecting the right coronary artery.
• Atherosclerosis is the primary cause in adults (>50%), with complications including thrombosis, rupture, and vasospasm.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the anatomic, epidemiologic, and clinical characteristics of coronary artery aneurysms.
• To evaluate management strategies, including conservative, interventional, and surgical approaches.
• To assess the short- and long-term outcomes of patients with coronary artery aneurysms.

Main Methods:

• The Coronary Artery Aneurysm Registry (CAAR) is a multicenter, international, ambispective registry.
• Utilizes data from a large cohort of patients diagnosed with coronary artery aneurysms.
• Collects data on patient demographics, aneurysm characteristics, and treatment strategies.

Main Results:

• Data on the natural history and prognosis of CAA are scarce.
• Controversies exist regarding optimal medical versus interventional/surgical management.
• The registry aims to provide definitive data on this understudied condition.

Conclusions:

• Coronary artery aneurysms are poorly understood, with limited data on natural history and prognosis.
• The CAAR registry is crucial for elucidating CAA's epidemiology, clinical aspects, and optimal management.
• Further research is needed to establish evidence-based guidelines for CAA treatment.