Coronary Artery Fistula
Anusha Sunkara1, Lakshmi H Chebrolu1, Su Min Chang1
1Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas.
Methodist Debakey Cardiovascular Journal
|July 26, 2017
Insights
Multiple coronary artery fistulae, rare heart abnormalities, can cause congestive cardiac failure. This case highlights a patient with symptoms of heart failure due to these unusual coronary artery defects.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Coronary artery fistulae are uncommon congenital or acquired abnormalities.
- They typically involve abnormal connections between a coronary artery and a heart chamber or vessel.
- Most cases are asymptomatic and discovered incidentally during coronary angiography.
Observation:
- This report details a patient who presented with symptoms indicative of congestive cardiac failure.
- The patient's condition was attributed to the presence of multiple coronary artery fistulae.
- This presentation is unusual given the typically asymptomatic nature of coronary fistulae.
Findings:
- The patient exhibited significant hemodynamic compromise.
- Multiple fistulous tracts were identified originating from the coronary arteries.
- These fistulae led to a volume overload state, precipitating heart failure.
Implications:
- Coronary artery fistulae, though rare, can have serious clinical consequences.
- This case underscores the importance of considering coronary artery anomalies in patients with unexplained heart failure.
- Further investigation into the management of hemodynamically significant coronary artery fistulae is warranted.
Abstract:
Coronary artery fistulae are rare abnormalities of the coronary arteries that are usually discovered incidentally on coronary angiogram. Most patients remain asymptomatic, and significant hemodynamic consequences are rarely observed. The following report describes the case of a patient presenting with symptoms of congestive cardiac failure due to multiple coronary artery fistulae.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:21Coronary Circulation
7.9K
The heart, an organ critical to survival, gets nourishment not from the blood it pumps but from a separate circulation system known as coronary circulation. This is the shortest circulation in the body and is responsible for supplying the heart with the nutrients it needs to function effectively.
Coronary circulation begins at the base of the aorta, where two main arteries arise—the left and right coronary arteries. These arteries encircle the heart in the coronary sulcus and supply the...
Coronary circulation begins at the base of the aorta, where two main arteries arise—the left and right coronary arteries. These arteries encircle the heart in the coronary sulcus and supply the...
7.9K
01:26Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology
805
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) originates from a series of events that impair the function of coronary arteries, the blood vessels responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. The pathophysiology of CAD is closely linked to atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory and lipid-driven condition affecting the vascular endothelium.1. Endothelial DamageThe process begins with damage to the vascular endothelium, which serves as a protective barrier between the blood and the vessel...
805
01:27Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care
325
Interprofessional care for coronary artery disease includes pharmacological therapy and revascularization procedures.Pharmacological therapy for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) aims to manage symptoms, prevent complications, and improve patient outcomes through various classes of medications:Antiplatelet Agents:Aspirin and Clopidogrel: These medications inhibit platelet aggregation, preventing blood clots, which is crucial for avoiding heart attacks and strokes. Doctors often prescribe these...
325
01:30Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations
474
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a primary health risk worldwide, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The condition arises from the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques within the coronary arteries, resulting in diminished blood supply to the heart muscle.The clinical manifestations of CAD vary widely, from asymptomatic stages to severe, life-threatening conditions. Understanding these manifestations is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management.Angina Pectoris: The Warning...
474
01:30Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction
1.3K
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...
1.3K
01:19Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations
507
The pathophysiology of Acute Coronary Syndrome [ACD] involves several key processes:The main underlying cause of ACD is atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the buildup of lipid-laden plaques within the coronary arteries.As the atherosclerotic plaque grows in the coronary artery, it may become unstable due to the formation of a lipid-rich core and a thin fibrous cap. Inflammatory cells within the plaque, such as macrophages, secrete enzymes that degrade the...
507