Coronary Artery Aneurysms: Comprehensive Review and a Case Report of a Left Main Coronary Artery Aneurysm
Nikolaos Lionakis1, Alexandros Briasoulis2, Virginia Zouganeli3
1Department of Cardiology, 417 Army Share Fund Hospital of Athens (NIMTS), Athens 11521, Greece.
Insights
Coronary artery aneurysms (CAAs) are rare conditions affecting heart arteries. Treatment varies from medication for stable cases to interventions for high-risk patients, with no single best approach established.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Medicine
- Anatomical Pathology
Background:
- Coronary artery aneurysms (CAAs) are uncommon dilatations of the coronary arteries.
- Atherosclerosis and Kawasaki disease are primary etiological factors.
- Other causes include genetic, inflammatory, connective tissue, and infectious diseases, alongside iatrogenic or substance-induced damage.
Abstract:
Coronary artery aneurysms (CAAs) are rare anatomical disorders of the coronary arteries. Atherosclerosis and Kawasaki disease are the principal causes of CCAs, while other causes including genetic factors, inflammatory arterial diseases, connective tissue disorders, endothelial damage after cocaine use, iatrogenic complications after interventions and infections, are also common among patients with CAAs. Although there is a variety of noninvasive methods including echocardiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, coronary angiography remains the gold standard diagnostic method. There is still no consensus about the most appropriate therapeutic strategy. Medical therapy including antiplatelets, anticoagulants, statins and ACEs are preferred either in patients with atherosclerosis, inflammatory status and stable CAAs, while percutaneous or surgery interventions are usually applied in patients with acute coronary syndrome due to a CAA culprit, obstructive coronary artery disease or large saccular aneurysms at a high risk of rupturing.
Related Concept Videos
Aneurysm I: Introduction
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Cardiac Catheterization III: Left Heart Catheterization
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care
Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management


