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Published on: November 24, 2014
Spontaneous near closure of coronary artery fistula
Insights
This case study reports the first documented instance of spontaneous closure of a coronary artery fistula in a 14-year-old male. The congenital heart anomaly, originating from the left main coronary artery, resolved naturally over one year.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Congenital Heart Disease
Background:
- Coronary artery fistulas are abnormal connections between a coronary artery and a heart chamber or vessel.
- While often congenital, their natural history, particularly spontaneous closure, is not well-understood.
- This case involves a fistula originating from the left main coronary artery terminating in the right heart.
Abstract:
An asymptomatic 14-year-old male was found at cardiac catheterization to have a coronary artery fistula involving a vessel originating from the left main coronary artery and terminating in the right heart. Chest X-ray and electrocardiogram were within normal limits and shunt flow was too small to be detected by oximetry although a large vessel was seen angiographically. One year later, the previously loud continuous murmur had disappeared and repeat catheterization demonstrated near closure of the fistula. This is the first report documenting the spontaneous closure of a coronary artery fistula.
