A Giant Left Circumflex Artery Aneurysm with Thrombosis Formation Presenting as a Left Atrioventricular Groove Mass

Reza Mohseni Badalabadi1, Ali Hosseinsabet1, Abbas Salehi Omran2

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Tehran Heart Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

Insights

A coronary artery aneurysm, a dilation of a coronary artery, can present as a mass in the atrioventricular groove. This finding, especially with thrombosis, requires clinical attention for accurate diagnosis.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Coronary artery aneurysms are defined by significant dilation compared to normal segments.
  • Patients with prior cardiac surgeries may present with complex cardiac findings.

Observation:

  • Echocardiography revealed a mass with an echolucent center in the atrioventricular groove.
  • Further transesophageal echocardiography identified a mass suggestive of left circumflex artery aneurysmal dilation with thrombosis.

Findings:

  • Coronary artery computed tomography angiography confirmed the presence of a coronary artery aneurysm with thrombosis.
  • The mass in the atrioventricular groove was indicative of a thrombosed left circumflex artery aneurysm.

Implications:

  • Echocardiographic detection of an atrioventricular groove mass warrants consideration of coronary artery aneurysm with thrombosis.
  • This highlights the importance of advanced imaging for diagnosing complex coronary artery pathologies.

Related Concept Videos

Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:22

Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Aortic valve regurgitation (AR) occurs when the aortic valve fails to close properly, allowing blood to flow backward from the aorta into the left ventricle. This backflow can result in two distinct clinical presentations: acute and chronic AR, each characterized by its own set of symptoms and physical findings.Acute Aortic RegurgitationAcute AR presents with a sudden onset of severe symptoms. Patients typically experience profound dyspnea (shortness of breath), chest pain, and signs of left...
89
Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction01:22

Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction

Mitral Valve Stenosis (MVS) is a heart condition where the mitral valve narrows, impeding blood circulation from the left atrium to the left ventricle. The etiology and pathophysiology of this condition are multifaceted, leading to a cascade of cardiovascular complications.Causes of Mitral Valve StenosisRheumatic Heart Disease: It is the main cause of mitral valve stenosis, particularly in developing nations. This condition arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory illness resulting from...
87
Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction01:15

Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction

IntroductionAortic regurgitation is characterized by the backward flow of blood from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole and arises from the improper closure of the aortic valve. This condition results in left ventricular volume overload and can stem from both acute and chronic etiologies, each contributing uniquely to the disease's progression and symptomatology.Acute and Chronic CausesAcute aortic regurgitation often results from events that suddenly impair the integrity of the...
79
Mitral Regurgitation I: Introduction01:20

Mitral Regurgitation I: Introduction

Mitral regurgitation is characterized by the backward circulation of blood from the left ventricle to the left atrium during systole, a phase of the cardiac cycle when the heart contracts and pumps blood out of the chambers. This abnormal flow occurs primarily due to the dysfunction of the mitral valve or its supporting structures, which include the mitral leaflets, chordae tendineae, annulus, and papillary muscles.Etiology and Mechanisms:Primary Mitral Regurgitation: This type arises from...
89
Mitral Valve Prolapse I: Introduction01:27

Mitral Valve Prolapse I: Introduction

IntroductionThe mitral valve, one of the heart's four valves, regulates blood flow. These valves have flaps that open and close to direct blood properly through the heart and body. During each heartbeat, the flaps open for blood to pass through and seal shut to prevent backflow. Specifically, the mitral valve opens to allow blood flow from the heart's upper left chamber to the lower left chamber. It then closes securely as the lower left chamber contracts to pump blood to the body, preventing...
75
Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests01:23

Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests

Mitral stenosis is a heart condition in which the mitral valve, which allows blood to flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle, becomes narrowed or stenotic. This narrowing hinders blood flow and leads to clinical symptoms requiring specific medical evaluations and management strategies. The following overview outlines the clinical symptoms, assessments, diagnostic findings, prevention methods, and treatments for mitral stenosis.Clinical ManifestationsDyspnea (shortness of breath): This...
47