Differential Diagnosis of Coronary Angiographic Filling Defect

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Coronary artery interventions require accurate diagnosis of intracoronary lesions.
• Distinguishing air bubbles from calcification or thrombus is crucial for appropriate device selection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the diagnostic challenge posed by air bubbles in the coronary arteries.
• To emphasize the utility of intravascular ultrasound in differentiating air bubbles from other filling defects.

Main Methods:

• Case report detailing an air bubble in the mid right coronary artery.
• Utilized intravascular ultrasound for differential diagnosis.

Main Results:

• The air bubble presented as a filling defect, initially difficult to distinguish from calcification or thrombus.
• Intravascular ultrasound successfully differentiated the air bubble from calcification and thrombus.

Conclusions:

• Accurate identification of coronary artery "filling defects" is essential for guiding interventional procedures.
• Intravascular ultrasound is a valuable tool for the differential diagnosis of air bubbles, calcification, and thrombus in coronary arteries.