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Case report of severe coronary artery tortuosity with coexisting connective tissue disease
Zao-Xian Xu1, Yi Yang1, Shang-Ping Xin1
1Department of Cardiac Rehabilitation, Zhe Jiang Hospital, Zhejiang, China.
Insights
Coronary artery tortuosity (CAT) can indicate underlying connective tissue disease. This case study shows a patient whose severe CAT symptoms resolved with treatment, highlighting CAT as a diagnostic clue.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Medicine
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Coronary artery tortuosity (CAT) is a morphological abnormality often identified during cardiovascular imaging.
- The exact pathogenesis and clinical significance of CAT remain subjects of ongoing research.
Observation:
- A 69-year-old female presented with recurrent chest discomfort, emaciation, gastrointestinal issues, and peripheral coldness.
- Initial investigations revealed severe coronary artery tortuosity.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with severe coronary artery tortuosity coexisting with connective tissue disease.
- Treatment involved conventional medications and lifestyle adjustments.
Implications:
- This case suggests that coronary artery tortuosity may serve as an important diagnostic indicator for connective tissue diseases.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the relationship between CAT and systemic conditions.
Abstract:
Coronary artery tortuosity (CAT) is frequently detected during coronary angiography or coronary electron-beam computed tomography angiography by cardiovascular interventionalists. In this article, we described the case of a 69-year-old female patient with recurrent chest discomfort for 1 month and recurrence 1 week ago, accompanied by emaciation, gastrointestinal discomfort, and low skin temperature at the extremities. After a series of tests, the patient was finally diagnosed with severe CAT and coexisting connective tissue disease. Accordingly, she was treated with conventional medications, and diet and lifestyle modifications. The symptoms of the patient resolved gradually after 1 year of follow-up. Although there is no unanimous conclusion on the pathogenesis and clinical characteristics of CAT, this disease may provide a clue to the diagnosis of connective tissue disease, and warrants exploration through further research.
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