A case of minimally invasive small-incision off-pump ligation of a coronary artery fistula monitored by transesophageal echocardiography.

This case demonstrated intraoperative real-time transesophageal echocardiographic monitoring in minimally invasive small-incision Off-pump ligation of a coronary artery fistula,demonstrating the importance of esophageal echocardiography in surgical monitoring.

[Congenital Left Internal Mammary Artery to Pulmonary Artery Fistula with Aneurysmal Change Diagnosed Incidentally:Report of a Case].

An internal mammary artery to pulmonary artery (IMA-PA) fistula is a very rare vascular abnormality. Patients with this disease are often asymptomatic, but they may develop symptoms such as heart failure and hemoptysis. A 60-year-old woman was incidentally diagnosed with left IMA-PA fistula by chest computed tomography (CT) during an examination for colon cancer. She was asymptomatic, but we determined that surgery was indicated because of the presence of an aneurysmal change. We performed complete surgical resection of the IMA-PA fistula and aneurysm under cardiopulmonary bypass. Her postoperative course was uneventful. Although a specific management strategy for IMA-PA fistula has not yet been established, surgical treatment should be performed to prevent rupture in cases with aneurysmal change.

[Pulmonary Artery Transection in Surgery for Coronary Artery Fistula].

Coronary artery fistula is a rare abnormality in the communication between a coronary artery and any of the cardiac chambers or major vessels. At present, there is no standard surgical treatment and the most appropriate method is selected on a case-by-case basis. We report one case of coronary artery fistulae in which pulmonary artery transection was required around the left main trunk (LMT). A 62-year-old man who had coronary artery fistulae with an aneurysm which increased from 12 mm to 16 mm in a two-year span. The fistula was located adjacent to the LMT. A complete aneurysm excision under cardiopulmonary bypass was performed, which required pulmonary artery transection. No postoperative complications occurred. Postoperative coronary computed tomography scan showed intact coronary arteries and complete aneurysm removal.

[Successful Open Surgical Repair of Asymptomatic Coronary Artery Fistula with Giant Aneurysm: Report of a Case].

Coronary artery fistula is an uncommon congenital anomaly of the coronary arteries, and there are lots of variations. We present a-46-year-old male patient with abnormal cardiac silhouette on chest X-ray. Coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography showed coronary artery (left anterior descending artery)-to-pulmonary artery fistula with a giant aneurysm( 55 mm). Considering the risk of rupture, surgery was indicated. The patient underwent surgical repair through median sternotomy under cardiopulmorary bypass and cardiac arrest antegrade myocardial protection. Fistulas were dissected and ligated proximally and distally, then the aneuysm was resected. By flushing bloody cardioplegic solution, we confirmed that there was no residual blood inflow to the aneurysm. Post-operative course was unevenful without evidence of myocardial injury. The patient discharged home on 10th postoperative day.

THE RAP STUDY, REPORT 5: REDISCOVERING MACULAR NEOVASCULARIZATION TYPE 3: Multimodal Imaging of Fellow Eyes over 24 months.

PURPOSE: To explore the condition of fellow eyes of patients with macular neovascularization Type 3 (MNV3) and to verify whether the retinal-choroidal anastomosis (RCA) develops equally in all MNV types. METHODS: The contralateral eyes of 94 patients with MNV3, 96 patients with MNV1, and 96 patients with MNV2 were included. Multimodal imaging was performed. The MNV3 stage including the development of fibrosis and RCA over 24 months was determined. RESULTS: In the contralateral eyes of patients of the solitary (one lesion) MNV3 group, 32 eyes (42.1%) showed early/intermediate age-related macular degeneration, 25 eyes (33%) showed MNV3, and 11 eyes (14.5%) experienced fibrosis, of which 4 eyes (5.2%) had a RCA, 7 eyes (9.2%) had atrophy after resolved MNV3, and 1 eye (1.3%) developed MNV1. In the multifocal (more than one lesion) MNV3 group, 2 eyes (11.1%) showed early/intermediate age-related macular degeneration, 9 eyes (50%) showed 15 MNV3 lesions, and 4 eyes (22.2%) showed fibrosis, of which 2 eyes (11.1%) manifested with a RCA and 3 eyes (16.7%) showed atrophy after resolved MNV3. The number of eyes with a RCA accounted for 40% of all eyes with fibrosis. The count of simultaneous bilateral multifocal MNV3 was 5 (55.6%). In the MNV1 and MNV2 groups, no eye developed a RCA. The incidence of RCAs in the scarred eyes in MNV3 was significantly higher (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Retinal-choroidal anastomosis is an exclusive clinical feature of MNV3. The development of the multifocal MNV3 is usually bilateral and simultaneous. The occurrence of fibrosis in MNV3 has decreased dramatically after the introduction of the antiangiogenic therapy.

"Ground-cherry" appearance of the pulmonary trunk: Incidentally detected sinoatrial nodal branch-to-pulmonary trunk fistula.

We present a case of a 45-year-old man with atypical chest pain who underwent coronary computed tomography angiography which incidentally revealed a conglomerate of nondilated tortuous vessels along the inferior half of the surface of the pulmonary trunk, resulting in a "ground-cherry" like ridged appearance. Tracing these vessels proximally and distally revealed it to be arising from the sinoatrial nodal branch of the right coronary artery and distally draining into the left anterolateral aspect of the pulmonary trunk.

CTA analysis of 482 cases of coronary artery fistula: A large-scale imaging study.

OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of coronary artery fistula (CAF) based on coronary angiography has been reported. However, with the popularity of coronary computerized tomography angiography (CTA), CAFs have been found more and more by chance. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and types of CAFs detected by coronary CTA, and to explore the differences in the size of fistulas, the number of complicated aneurysms, and fistulas among different types. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2016 to December 2020, 96,037 patients underwent coronary CTA in our hospital. The prevalence of CAF was retrospectively evaluated, The origin, course, and drainage site of CAF and coexisting abnormalities were analysed. The conventional treatments and follow-up DSCT images were also evaluated. Analyze the difference between the coronary-pulmonary artery fistula (CPAFs) group (380) and the coronary-cameral fistula (CCF) group (99). RESULTS: Among 96,037 patients, 482 (0.5%) patients (male 232 and 250 female) had CAF. The types of CAF detected. The pulmonary artery was the most common site of drainage (380/482, 78.8%). Of the 99 CCFs, coronary to the left ventricle is the most common pattern in CCF (34/482, 7.0%). Single origins are more common in CAF (n = 361, 74.9%), multiple origins are more common in CPAFs than in CCF. There were statistically significant differences in the stoma diameter (2.4 ± 1.1 mm vs. 5.4 ± 4.3 mm p < .05), aneurysm complicated (85 cases [85/380] vs. 50 cases [50/99]), the size of aneurysm (8.8 ± 5.7 mm vs. 19.1 ± 11.6 mm, p < .05), and single fistula (261 [261/380] vs. 96 [96/99], p < .05). Most of the 380 CPAFs patients received conservative treatment (350/380, 92.1%), While the 59 CCF patients (59/93, 63.4%) were treated. CONCLUSIONS: Different from previous reports, the prevalence of CAF in coronary CTA is 0.5%, the incidence of CPAFs is the highest, and the incidence of the left ventricular fistula is higher in CCF. Compared with CPAFs, CCF fistulas were more likely to be associated with a larger diameter of draining, larger aneurysms, single fistula pattern. Coronary artery CTA is a useful and noninvasive imaging method to detect CAF, which is of great significance for the detection of small fistulas and the surgical guidance of complex CAF.

Percutaneous closure of giant ascending aortic pseudoaneurysm: 22 years after modified BlalockTaussig shunt with a septal occluder device.

Pseudoaneurysm of the ascending aorta is rare (1-2%) and a potentially fatal complication following cardiac surgeries. Surgical repair is still the gold standard treatment of ascending aortic pseudoaneurysm. However, endovascular repair methods including stent grafts and Septal Occluder devices have been reported. We report a case of 38-year-old female patient who presented with giant ascending aortic pseudoaneurysm, and aortopulmonary fistula 22 years after modified BlalockTaussig shunt was managed by the transcatheter method. Septal Occluder device 20 mm diameter was delivered to seal the ostium.

Congenital coronary artery-to-pulmonary fistula with giant aneurysmal dilatation and thrombus formation: a case report and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery-to-pulmonary artery fistula is a rare disorder characterized by abnormal vascular communication between the coronary artery and pulmonary artery. While most patients remain asymptomatic, some might exhibit symptoms of myocardial ischemia, congestive heart failure, or even sudden cardiac death if coronary aneurysm, thrombosis, infective carditis, or other congenital cardiac defects coexist. Case presentation We present a 66-year-old male complaining of angina pectoris with a history of hypertension and active smoking. He was diagnosed with a coronary aneurysm based on coronary computed tomography angiography. We subsequently identified a coronary artery-to-pulmonary artery fistula with giant aneurysmal dilation on coronary angiography. Ultimately we conducted surgery ligation and aneurysmorrhaphy. During surgery, we discovered newly formed thrombus within the aneurysmal cavity. Histological analysis of the aneurysmal wall supported the diagnosis of the congenital disorder. Our patient was successfully discharged and remained asymptomatic at two months of follow-up. CONCLUSION: We presented a rare and complex combination of congenital coronary artery-to pulmonary artery fistula, giant coronary aneurysmal dilatation, and thrombosis through multi-modality evaluations.

Penetrating chest injury afflicting coronary artery fistula-A delayed and asymptomatic occurrence.

We present here a case of a symptomatic chest injury with a nail gun causing a delayed occurrence of coronary artery fistula to the left pulmonary artery presenting with unstable angina 4 years after the initial injury, three of which were symptom-free. The patient underwent successful surgical closure of the fistula and removal of the foreign body.

A self-resolving, post-traumatic aortopulmonary shunt.

A 34-year-old Hispanic man sustained a stab wound to his chest complicated with hemopericardium and pericardial tamponade. He underwent emergent clamshell thoracotomy as well as repair to the pulmonary artery. A transthoracic echocardiogram showed no evidence of intracardiac shunt. Two months later, a new murmur was noted, with a transthoracic echocardiogram revealing high-velocity flow between the left coronary sinus and the main pulmonary artery, with which a coronary computed tomography angiogram concurred. A transesophageal echocardiogram was performed which revealed an aortopulmonic fistula from the left coronary sinus of Valsalva, approximately 1cm anterior to the ostium of the left main coronary artery, to the main pulmonary artery just distal to the pulmonic valve. Pulmonary insufficiency was minimal. The main pulmonary artery was dilated, measuring 3.2 cm by coronary computed tomography angiogram. Right ventricular systolic function was normal. Right and left heart catheterizations were performed to further assess hemodynamics and coronary anatomy; pulmonary artery pressures were 16/8 mm Hg. Aortopulmonary fistula was seen on aortogram. Surgery was deferred in view of lack of symptoms and uncertainty in its natural history in the setting of traumatic etiology. A repeat transthoracic echocardiogram at six-month follow-up showed spontaneous closure of the fistula.

Ruptured aneurysm of coronary arteriovenous fistula without aneurysmal coronary artery.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 25% of coronary arteriovenous fistulas present aneurysmal dilatation; however, spontaneous rupture of the aneurysm is rare. Most coronary arteries branching the feeding arteries demonstrate aneurysmal formation, possibly because of shunt flow. CASE REPORT: A 48-year-old woman was referred to our institution for surgical management of ruptured aneurysm of coronary arteriovenous fistula. The aneurysm was located on the left-anterior aspect of the pulmonary artery trunk, communicating with both left and right coronary arteries through two small feeding arteries draining into the pulmonary artery trunk. Both left and right coronary arteries showed normal diameter. The feeding arteries were ligated externally, and fistulous openings were closed within the aneurysm. Postoperative course was uneventful. CONCLUSION: Aneurysm of coronary arteriovenous fistula can occur in patients without aneurysmal coronary artery. Although the association of ruptured aneurysm with coronary fistulas is relatively rare, it should be considered a potential cause of acute cardiac tamponade.

An unknown mass on the cardiac surface with huge coronary aneurysm and fistula: A case report.

Cardiac mass is rare in the clinic and can be primary or secondary. It is quite rare to find a mass only on the cardiac surface. Today we report a patient with a cardiac mass grown on the cardiac surface and also had a coronary aneurysm combined a coronary fistula, pathology examination showed that the mass was not a tumor but an aneurysm with thrombosis. This is the first time that a primary thrombus discovered on the surface of the heart.

Surgical Repair of Congenital Coronary Artery Fistula With Giant Aneurysm.

A 67-year-old man with a 3-year history of dyspnea on exertion arrived to our institution with discontinuous palpitations and short breath. He was diagnosed with congenital coronary artery fistula (CAF). Angiography revealed 3 giant aneurysmal formations and coronary artery calcification. We report a case of successful repair of CAF with a giant coronary aneurysm by closing the orifice and resecting the aneurysm and reconstructing the left coronary artery. The surgical procedure included closure from within a vessel dilated by aneurysm and excision of the aneurysm. We were able to completely obliterate the fistula and preserve the normal blood flow through the coronary arteries post operation. The postoperative course was eventful, but the patient was discharged home. The patient was doing well at his 28-month follow-up visit.

[Coronary-pulmonary Artery Fistula Manifested by Cardiac Tamponade;Report of a Case].

Coronary-pulmonary artery fistula( CPAF) is a relatively rare congenital malformation. We successfully treated a patient who presented with cardiac tamponade due to ruptured CPAF. A 58-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital due to consciousness disorder. Enhanced computed tomography revealed hemopericardium, and she was diagnosed with cardiac tamponade due to a ruptured coronary artery aneurysm with fistula arising from the right coronary and entering the main pulmonary artery. Therefore, emergency operation was performed. Under cardiopulmonary bypass, the aneurysm was opened and the ostium of the fistula was closed with pledgetted mattress sutures. After ligating the tortuous CPAF, the aneurysmal wall was sutured. Postoperative course was uneventful, and she was discharged on postoperative day 16.

[Surgical Repair of Giant Coronary Artery Aneurysm Associated with Coronary-pulmonary Artery Fistulae;Report of a Case].

A 61-year-old woman was referred to our hospital with a complaint of chest compression. Coronary angiography revealed a giant coronary artery aneurysm, located in the middle of a coronary-pulmonary artery fistula originating from the right coronary artery. Another fistula was also shown between the left anterior descending artery and the pulmonary artery. Surgical correction was indicated due to the risks of the aneurysmal rupture and coronary events. Under cardiopulmonary bypass, suture-closure of the coronary artery aneurysm and ligations of the fistulae were carried. Postoperative coronary angiography showed no aneurysm or fistula, and she was discharged uneventfully on the 12th postoperative day.

Pulmonary hypertension in patients with end stage renal disease undergoing hemodialysis.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a serious cardiovascular complication in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing hemodialysis (HD) via arterio-venous fistulas (AVF). AIM: The aim of this study was to assess pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), AVF flow volume (AVF-FV) and cardiac output (CO) and to highlight the impact of their augmentation, as well as of the duration of HD, on the occurrence of PH in patients with ESRD. METHODS: Our study group consisted of 51 dialyzed patients, with ESRD, without history of PH. We determined by ultrasonography the systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (PAPs), the left ventricular ejection fraction (EF), the cardiac output (CO), PVR and AVF-FV. RESULTS: We documented PH in 27 (52.94%) patients. All had elevated PVR, higher AVF-FV and CO comparing to patients without PH. They were undergoing HD for a longer period and had lower EF than those without PH. For all patients, we documented strong correlations between PAPs and PVR (r = 0.933, P < 0.001) and the duration of HD (r = 0.702, P < 0.001), but moderate ones with AVF-FV (r = 0.583, P < 0.001) and CO (r = 0.519, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In patients with ESRD undergoing HD, PH was a common finding being associated with increased PVR, a longer duration of HD and chronic glomerulonephritis as etiology for ESRD. The majority of patients with PH had altered left ventricular systolic function, predisposing them to an increased risk to develop heart failure.

Exercise-induced ventricular arrhythmia due to bilateral coronary to pulmonary artery fistulas.

Ischemic polymorphic ventricular ectopy was documented during exercise testing in a 65-year-old Caucasian male patient. Coronary angiogram revealed four coronary to pulmonary artery fistulas (CPAFs) originating from the right and left coronary artery, leading to myocardial ischemia due to steal phenomenon. The three dominant fistulas were coiled percutaneously, while one small fistula was left untreated. During follow-up, no significant residual ventricular arrhythmia was detected.