Descending aorta to right atrial fistula: Transcatheter embolization of a very rare anomaly with coils

Descending aorta to right atrial (RA) fistula is a rare and distinct clinical entity mimicking patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and it may lead to rapid development of pulmonary vascular disease. Correct diagnosis and treatment, especially in the presence of other congenital heart defects, is very important. Interventional management is the treatment of choice.

We present a case report of a trisomy 21 infant with atrial and ventricular septal defects and small patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) complicated by the presence of descending aorta to right atrial (RA) fistula with large left to right shunt leading to rapid increase in pulmonary vascular resistance. Transcatheter occlusion of the fistula followed by closure of the PDA with Nit-Occlud coil systems led to decreased pulmonary pressure and resistance permitting successful surgical repair of the patient's intracardiac defects with good outcome over 3 years of follow-up. Descending aorta to RA fistula is a rare and distinct clinical entity mimicking PDA and its correct diagnosis and treatment, especially in the presence of other congenital heart defects, is very important as it may lead to rapid development of pulmonary vascular disease.