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Congenital internal mammary artery-to-pulmonary artery fistulas: a case report
Insights
Congenital internal mammary artery-to-pulmonary artery fistulas are extremely rare. This case report details the youngest patient diagnosed, highlighting potential risks and treatment considerations for this uncommon condition.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Pediatric Medicine
Background:
- Congenital fistulas between the internal mammary artery and pulmonary artery are exceedingly rare vascular anomalies.
- Early diagnosis and management are crucial due to potential complications.
Observation:
- A 7-year-old boy presented with an abnormal shadow on chest X-ray and a continuous murmur.
- Diagnostic imaging, specifically selective internal mammary artery angiography, confirmed the diagnosis.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with congenital internal mammary artery-to-pulmonary artery fistulas.
- This represents the youngest case reported in the English literature to date, with only 16 cases previously documented.
Implications:
- Surgical intervention may be necessary to mitigate risks such as fistula rupture, endarteritis, and congestive heart failure.
- This case underscores the importance of considering rare congenital vascular anomalies in pediatric patients with suggestive clinical findings.
Abstract:
A case of congenital internal mammary artery-to-pulmonary artery fistulas is reported. The patient was a 7-year-old boy in whom this condition was suspected from an abnormal shadow in the left upper lung field upon chest X-ray examination and continuous murmur. A definite diagnosis was made by selective angiography of the internal mammary artery. This condition is extremely rare. Our patient is the youngest among the 16 cases which have been reported so far in the English literature. Surgical treatment may be indicated because there is a risk of rupture of the fistula, endarteritis, and congestive heart failure.