Remodeling and thrombosis following closure of coronary artery fistula with review of management: large distal coronary artery fistula--to close or not to close?

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: To evaluate postdiscovery outcome of coronary artery fistulae (CAF). CAF treatment sequelae and risk factors for coronary thrombosis have not been adequately evaluated. METHODS: Outcome on follow-up of 16 patients with CAF was reviewed. Risk factors for adverse coronary events were assessed based on type, size, and treatment of CAF. RESULTS: Median age was 10 years (0.01-56). Seven patients had large, four medium, and five small sizes CAF. Eight had proximal and 8 distal type CAF. There were 7 in the intervention group (IG) and 9 in nonintervention (NIG). In the IG, 1 had myocardial infarction (MI) <24 hr with distal thrombosis following large distal type CAF closure. Follow-up angiograms in 6 pts showed; decrease in conduit coronary artery size towards normal in 4, 1 had discrete intimal stenosis, persistent coronary dilatation in 1, thrombosis of residual proximal fistula segment without MI in 2, evidence of revascularization in 2 and neovascularization in 1 patient. In the NIG, 6 of the 9 pts available for follow-up were asymptomatic. Angiogram available in 1 patient showed persistent coronary dilatation with partial closure. CONCLUSION: Post-CAF treatment sequelae include thrombosis and MI, revascularization, persistent coronary dilatation, remodeling, and decrease in conduit coronary artery size towards normal. The large size distal type of CAF may be at highest risk for coronary thrombosis post closure. The optimal treatment approach to various morphologies of CAF at various ages remains to be determined.