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Non-invasive diagnosis of a congenital coronary artery fistula
M Brandt-Pohlmann1, S Achenbach, G Pougratz
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany.
Insights
A large congenital coronary artery fistula from the left circumflex artery to the coronary sinus was identified in a 46-year-old woman. Diagnosis utilized echocardiography and electron beam tomography, confirmed by angiography.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Imaging
- Congenital Heart Disease
Background:
- Congenital coronary artery fistulas are rare anomalies.
- Left circumflex artery fistulas draining into the coronary sinus are uncommon variations.
Observation:
- A 46-year-old woman presented with a large congenital coronary artery fistula.
- The fistula originated from the left circumflex artery and drained into the coronary sinus.
Findings:
- Diagnosis was initially established using cross-sectional and transesophageal echocardiography.
- Electron beam tomography provided detailed visualization of the fistula's course.
- Conventional angiography confirmed the findings from echocardiography and tomography.
Implications:
- Accurate diagnosis of coronary artery fistulas is crucial for appropriate management.
- Multimodality imaging plays a key role in characterizing complex coronary anomalies.
- Understanding the anatomy of coronary fistulas aids in surgical or interventional planning.
Abstract:
This report describes a large congenital coronary artery fistula of the left circumflex artery draining into the coronary sinus in a 46 year old woman. The fistula was initially diagnosed by cross-sectional and transesopha-geal echocardiography using multiplane probe. Additionally, the entire course of the fistula was visualised in electron beam tomography. Angiography confirmed echocardiographic and tomographic findings.