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[Coronary fistula --clinical and angiographic review]
Insights
This study analyzed coronary arteriovenous fistulas, finding they most commonly originate from the right coronary artery and drain into the pulmonary artery. Male predominance and single fistulas were also observed in this patient group.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Interventional Cardiology
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Coronary arteriovenous fistulas (CAFs) are rare congenital or acquired abnormalities.
- Understanding their anatomical variations and clinical associations is crucial for diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical characteristics and angiographic findings of patients with coronary arteriovenous fistulas.
- To identify common origins, drainage patterns, and associated cardiac pathologies.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of diagnostic coronary angiographies performed between 1988 and 1993.
- Review of clinical data, including patient demographics, comorbidities, and electrocardiogram (ECG) findings.
- Evaluation of associated cardiac anomalies and shunt calculations where available.
Main Results:
- The study included 14 patients (10 male, 4 female; mean age 49 years).
- Commonly associated pathologies included rheumatic heart disease, Tetralogy of Fallot, and atherosclerotic coronary artery disease.
- The most frequent fistula origin was the right coronary artery (6 patients), with drainage predominantly to the pulmonary artery (8 patients).
- Most fistulas were single (11 patients).
Conclusions:
- Coronary arteriovenous fistulas exhibit a male predominance and are often single.
- The right coronary artery is the most common source, with drainage typically to the pulmonary artery.
- Associated cardiac anomalies are frequent, necessitating comprehensive evaluation.
Objective:
To evaluate clinical and angiography date of patients (pts) in whom coronary arteriovenous fistula were detected.
Study Design:
Retrospective study of diagnostic coronary angiographies done between 1988 and 1993 in whom coronary arteriovenous fistula were detected.
Setting:
Patients submitted to cardiac catheterisation in the Cardiology Department of Santa Marta Hospital in whom coronary arteriovenous were detected.
Patients:
Fourteen pts, 10 male and 4 female, with a mean age of 49 years (21-72).
Interventions:
A retrospective analysis of clinical data and coronary artery anomalies was done. Whenever available, the Pulmonary Artery and the shunt (calculated through oximetries) were evaluated.
Results:
The following pathologies were associated: rheumatic valve heart disease (3 pts), Tetralogy of Fallot (2 pts), atrial septal defect--ostium primum (1 pt), dilated cardiomyopathy (1 pt), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (1 pt), atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (2 pts). Four pts were in atrial fibrillation and the others in sinus rhythm. Four pts had normal ECG. In 6 pts there was cardiomegaly on the chest X-rays. The fistula was single in 11 pts, double in one and multiple in 2 other pts. The fistula originated from the right coronary artery in 6 pts, the left anterior descending coronary artery in 5 pts, the circumflex coronary artery in 3 pts and the left main coronary artery in one pt. Eight drained to the pulmonary artery (or its branches), 2 to the coronary sinus, one directly to the right atrium, one to the right ventricle and one to the left atrium. In only 2 pts the fistula was closed. In 6 pts the associated anomalies were corrected. With a mean follow up of 24 months (1-72), 8 pts are asymptomatic, 4 complain of slight heart failure, 3 of angina pectoris and the pt with dilated cardiomyopathy died 1 year after being studied.
Conclusion:
A male predominance was found. Most fistulae were single. The artery mostly involved was the right coronary artery and the fistula drained more often to the pulmonary artery or its branches.