Zhuoxuan Yang1, Liang Zhang2, Jin Gao3, Jingang Cui1, Jiansong Yuan1, Shengwen Liu1, Yue Zhou1, Shubin Qiao4. 1. Department of Cardiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College Fuwai Hospital, North Lishi Road, Beijing, 100037, China. 2. Cardiology Department, Yuncheng Central Hospital, City, Shanxi province, Yuncheng, 044000, China. 3. Cardiology Surgery Department, Yuncheng Central Hospital, City, Shanxi province, Yuncheng, 044000, China. 4. Department of Cardiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College Fuwai Hospital, North Lishi Road, Beijing, 100037, China. qsbfw@sina.com.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Coronary artery fistula (CAF) is an abnormal connection between a coronary artery and either a cardiac chamber or the great vessels. Although most patients are asymptomatic, potential complications such as heart failure, angina pectoris or acute myocardial infarction can be fatal. CASE PRESENTATION: We present here a 62-year-old man diagnosed with giant coronary artery fistula complicated with gross coronary artery aneurysm and acute myocardial infarction. He underwent intravenous thrombolysis treatment at a local hospital, coronary angiography at a regional hospital and complex surgery at a national centre for cardiovascular disease. The patient had no major adverse cardiac events during the 3-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: Early diagnosis of CAF patients and an appropriate treatment plan are the key factors for avoiding serious complications. Because of the rare incidence of this disease, it is necessary to discover and discuss management strategies, including medical management, percutaneous interventions or surgical treatment, for a successful outcome.
BACKGROUND:Coronary artery fistula (CAF) is an abnormal connection between a coronary artery and either a cardiac chamber or the great vessels. Although most patients are asymptomatic, potential complications such as heart failure, angina pectoris or acute myocardial infarction can be fatal. CASE PRESENTATION: We present here a 62-year-old man diagnosed with giant coronary artery fistula complicated with gross coronary artery aneurysm and acute myocardial infarction. He underwent intravenous thrombolysis treatment at a local hospital, coronary angiography at a regional hospital and complex surgery at a national centre for cardiovascular disease. The patient had no major adverse cardiac events during the 3-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: Early diagnosis of CAFpatients and an appropriate treatment plan are the key factors for avoiding serious complications. Because of the rare incidence of this disease, it is necessary to discover and discuss management strategies, including medical management, percutaneous interventions or surgical treatment, for a successful outcome.