A rare case of asymptomatic right coronary artery ectasia associated with giant aneurysm
Takanori Hishikawa1, Takeki Ohashi1, Masao Tadakoshi1
1Cardiovascular surgery, Nagoya Tokushukai General Hospital, Aichi, Japan.
Insights
A rare case of giant coronary artery ectasia with an aneurysm in an asymptomatic woman was identified. Atherosclerosis was the cause, treated with surgery and anticoagulants.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Coronary artery ectasia and aneurysms are rare vascular conditions.
- Atherosclerosis is a common cause of cardiovascular disease.
Observation:
- A 69-year-old woman presented with ischemic electrocardiogram changes.
- Coronary computed tomography angiography revealed right coronary artery ectasia and a giant distal aneurysm.
- The patient was asymptomatic with no traditional risk factors.
Findings:
- Giant coronary artery aneurysm secondary to atherosclerosis.
- Surgical intervention was performed due to aneurysm size and rupture risk.
- Histopathology confirmed atherosclerotic degeneration.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of investigating coronary artery abnormalities even in asymptomatic individuals.
- Demonstrates surgical management of peripheral coronary artery aneurysms.
- Emphasizes anticoagulation therapy post-surgery for thrombus prevention.
Abstract:
A rare case of giant coronary artery ectasia associated with coronary artery aneurysm was recognized. A 69-year-old woman presented with an ischemic electrocardiogram changes during a medical check-up. Coronary computed tomography angiography showed right coronary artery (RCA) ectasia associated with a giant aneurysm originating from the distal RCA. She was asymptomatic and exhibited no risk factors, including Kawasaki disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus or family history. The patient underwent surgery for giant coronary aneurysms to prevent rupture. The aneurysm was on the peripheral side of the right coronary artery; hence, coronary artery bypass was not performed. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful. Histopathological examination of the aneurysm revealed degeneration due to atherosclerosis. She was prescribed warfarin and aspirin for thrombus prevention.
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