Imaging characteristics and ECG distribution of coronary fistulas: The first large-scale study.

BACKGROUND: The proportion of abnormal electrocardiogra (ECG) in patients with coronary artery fistula (CAF) is relatively high, but the correlation between CAF and arrhythmia is mostly reported in individual case studies. This paper analyzes the correlation between imaging features and ECG features. OBJECTIVE: This paper aims to analyze the incidence and distribution characteristics of abnormal ECG in patients with CAF and further explore the difference in ECG characteristics between coronary-cameral fistula (CCF) and coronary-pulmonary artery fistula (CPAF). METHOD: A total of 144,448 patients who underwent coronary computerized tomography angiography (CTA) examination from January 2016 to December 2022 were included in this study, and 284 patients with CAF (excluding coronary atherosclerosis) were selected for analysis of their ECG and image characteristics. And divided them into the CPAF (221 cases) and CCF (63 cases) groups, the differences in ECG between the two groups was compared. The changes in the ECG after the operation were analyzed. RESULTS: The incidence of abnormal ECG in patients with CAF was approximately 72.9%. There were significant differences in the proportion of ECG block, myocardial ischemia and structural ECG changes between the CPAF group and CCF group (P < 0.05). CCF was more likely to cause conduction block and ischemic and structural ECG changes. A total of 53 patients with CAF underwent surgical treatment, 28 patients with improved ECG (52%). CONCLUSION: CCF especially CCF patients often have abnormal ECG findings such as conduction block, myocardial ischemia, and structural changes, which can often be restored to normal through surgery.

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.

Coronary artery fistula in adults: Incidence and appearance on cardiac computed tomography and comparison of detectability and hemodynamic effects with those on transthoracic echocardiography.

BACKGROUND: The widespread use of cardiac computed tomography (CT) has increased the incidental discovery of fistulas of the coronary artery (CAF). This condition is rare and can affect hemodynamic parameters, but few reports focus on its hemodynamic effects. We investigated the frequency and types of CAF on CT and compared them with those of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) to evaluate the detectability of CAF and its hemodynamic effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated cardiac CT images of 6789 adult patients who underwent imaging from January 1, 2013 through September 30, 2019 at our institution. We assessed the CT images for the presence of CAF and compared our findings with those obtained by TTE in control cases without CAF. RESULTS: The prevalence of CAF determined with cardiac CT was 0.91%, with the left anterior descending artery (67.7%) as the most common site of origin and the main pulmonary artery (82.3%) as the most common origin of drainage. The incidence of aneurysm accompanying CAF was 48.4%. Color Doppler in TTE demonstrated abnormal flow that would suggest the presence of CAF of only 23.1%. Echocardiographic findings of hemodynamics did not differ significantly between patients with and without CAF nor between elderly and non-elderly patients with CAF. CONCLUSIONS: Our study revealed differing prevalence and types of CAF from those reported using coronary angiography and little impact of CAF on hemodynamics. Color Doppler in TTE did not readily depict abnormal flow that might suggest the presence of a fistula, but cardiac CT allowed noninvasive and comprehensive assessment of CAF. Thus, we believe the acquisition of cardiac CT is necessary to establish the cause of continuous murmur that is not identified with TTE.

Presence and characteristics of coronary artery fistulas among patients undergoing coronary angiography.

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery fistula is defined as a connection between one or more coronary artery and a heart chamber. AIMS: The aim of the study was to determine the overall incidence of coronary artery fistulas in Polish patients undergoing diagnostic coronary artery angiography as well as the frequency of particular origin and draining sites. METHODS: The data were obtained from the Polish National Registry of Invasive Cardiology Procedures among patients hospitalized between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2016 in invasive cardiology departments in Poland. RESULTS: The study included 298 558 patients. A coronary artery fistula was present in 261 patients (0.087%). There were 131 women (50.19%) and 130 men (49.81%). The most frequent origin of a coronary artery fistula was the left anterior descending artery (167 cases, 59.22%). The pulmonary artery was the most frequent drainage site for fistulas originating from the left anterior descending artery and the right coronary artery (84 cases, 50.30% and 25 cases, 31.65%, respectively). Fistulas originating from the circumflex artery most frequently drained into another artery (10 cases, 27.78%). CONCLUSIONS: The left anterior descending coronary artery was the origin site for more than half of all detected coronary artery fistulas. The pulmonary artery was the most frequent origin and drainage site for coronary artery fistulas.

Characteristics of Coronary Artery to Pulmonary Artery Fistula on Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the characteristics of coronary artery-to-pulmonary artery fistula (CPAF) found by coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography. METHODS: Among 10,121 cases of coronary CT angiography performed for 7 years, we found 32 cases of CPAF. We retrospectively evaluated the demographics, clinical symptoms, and anatomical characteristics such as the origin, number of origins, course, opening site of the fistula, and the presence of aneurysmal changes (defined as dilatation 1.5 times the diameter of the origin). We also categorized the fistula openings according to size compared with that of the proximal left anterior descending coronary artery. RESULTS: The patients were 14 men and 18 women with a mean (range) age of 56.5 (34-86) years. Nineteen patients had no related symptoms, and the other 13 patients had symptoms such as angina, chest discomfort, palpitations, or shoulder pain. Among these patients, 2 patients were diagnosed with coronary artery disease. The origins of CPAF were single (n = 15, 46.9%) or multiple (n = 17, 53.1%). The CPAFs arose most commonly from the conus branch of the right coronary artery (n = 20, 62.5%) and proximal left anterior descending (n = 17, 53.1%). All CPAFs coursed anteriorly to the main pulmonary artery and drained into the anterolateral aspect. Twenty-five patients (78.1%) exhibited aneurysmal changes. The openings were small in 13 (40.6%), medium in 13 (40.6%), and large in 6 (18.8%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: More than half of patients with CPAF had no related symptoms. Coronary artery-to-pulmonary artery fistula may have a single origin or multiple origins. All of the CPAFs coursed anteriorly to the main pulmonary artery and drained into the anterolateral aspect; the CPAFs identified here frequently exhibited aneurysmal changes.

Coronary artery fistula in adults: evaluation with dual-source CT coronary angiography.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical value of dual-source CT (DSCT) coronary angiography in the diagnosis of coronary artery fistula (CAF) in adults. METHODS: A large cohort of 17,548 patients, who underwent DSCT coronary angiography in our hospital between January 2008 and October 2013, were retrospectively reviewed for CAF. The origin, course and drainage site of CAF and coexisting abnormalities were analysed. The conventional angiography results, treatments and follow-up DSCT images were also evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 33 CAFs from 17,548 patients were detected. The incidence of CAF was 0.19% by DSCT. CAF originating from the left coronary artery (LCA) was found in 14 (42.4%) patients, from right coronary artery (RCA) in 4 (12.1%) cases and from both LCA and RCA in 15 (45.5%) patients. The pulmonary artery was the most common site of drainage (28/33, 84.8%). 8 of the 33 (24.2%) cases were associated with aneurysms. Six cases were associated with coronary artery atherosclerosis. Four patients underwent conventional angiography. CONCLUSION: Coronary-pulmonary artery fistula in adults was found more often than in previous studies. CAF commonly originates from LCA or both LCA and RCA in adults. DSCT is a robust tool for investigating the origin, course and drainage site of CAF and coexistent abnormalities. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: A large adult patient cohort who underwent DSCT angiography was reviewed to assess CAFs. Coronary-pulmonary artery fistula in adults was found more often than in previous studies. CAF was observed to originate from the LCA or both coronary arteries in adults. DSCT could clearly depict the fistula origin, course, drainage site and coexisting abnormalities. Conventional angiography results, treatments and follow-up DSCT images were analysed.

Angiographic characteristics of coronary artery fistulas.

OBJECTIVES: Coronary artery fistula (CAF) in adults is a rare form of coronary artery anomaly. It is often diagnosed incidentally during coronary angiography. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and angiographic characteristics of adult patients with CAF. STUDY DESIGN: We retrospectively reviewed the database of 70,850 patients who had undergone coronary angiography in five different invasive cardiology centers in the southeastern region of Turkey. Among them, 56 patients had CAF (39 males, 17 females, mean age: 63.7±10.4 years). Demographic data, clinical evaluation and cardiac catheterization reports were reviewed from the medical records. RESULTS: A total of 58 fistulas were detected in 56 patients; two patients (3.6%) had bilateral fistulas originating from both the left and right coronary artery. In our angiographic series, CAF prevalence was 0.08%. Dyspnea on exertion and/or angina pectoris was the most common symptom (69%). Fifteen patients (26.8%) had concomitant obstructive coronary artery disease. Coronary artery fistulas originated mainly from the left anterior descending artery (n=30, 51.7%). Others originated from the right coronary artery (n=15, 25.9%), circumflex artery (n=6, 10.3%), and right sinus of Valsalva (n=3, 5.2%). In four patients (n=4, 7.1%), multiple micro fistula were draining into the left ventricle. CONCLUSION: In our angiographic series, the prevalence of CAF was 0.08%, and the most common site of origin was the left anterior descending artery.

Prevalence and types of coronary artery fistulas detected with coronary CT angiography.

OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of coronary artery fistula (CAF) based on coronary angiographic findings has been reported. However, the number of incidentally found CAFs is increasing as coronary CT angiography (CTA) has become popular. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and types of CAFs detected with coronary CTA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between March 2009 and November 2011, 6341 patients underwent coronary CTA at one institution. The prevalence of CAF was retrospectively evaluated, and the morphologic features were analyzed, including vessel of origin, drainage site, size, and presence of an aneurysmal sac. We also analyzed cardiac and pulmonary findings. RESULTS: Among 6341 patients, 56 (0.9%) patients had CAF. The types of CAF detected, in decreasing frequency, were coronary to pulmonary artery fistula (43 cases [76.8%]), coronary to bronchial artery fistula (five cases [8.9%]), coronary artery to cardiac chamber fistula (five cases [8.9%]), combined coronary to pulmonary and coronary to bronchial artery fistula (two cases [3.6%]), and coronary artery to superior vena cava fistula (one case [1.8%]). Lung parenchymal or vascular anomaly was more frequently noted in coronary to bronchial artery fistulas, combined coronary to pulmonary and coronary to bronchial artery fistulas, and coronary artery to superior vena cava fistulas than in coronary to pulmonary artery and coronary artery to cardiac chamber fistulas. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of CAF at coronary CTA was 0.9%, which is higher than the known prevalence based on conventional angiographic findings (0.05-0.25%). Furthermore, the most common type of CAF in this study was coronary to pulmonary artery, whereas coronary artery to ventricle fistula was previously considered the most common type in studies conducted with conventional angiography. Coronary CTA is a useful, noninvasive imaging modality for the detection of CAF.

Prevalence and characteristics of coronary-cameral communications in adult patients: coronary angiographic analysis of 16,573 patients.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the coronary angiograms of patients with symptomatic heart disease in order to determine the frequency and characteristics of coronary-cameral communications (CCCs) in a single center. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The coronary angiograms of 16,573 patients with symptomatic heart disease performed from November 2001 to January 2011 were analyzed. The diagnosis of coronary fistula and coronary-cameral microcommunications (CCMCs) was made according to previously defined criteria. RESULTS: Of the 16,573 patients, 15 (0.09%; 8 males and 7 females, mean age 63 ± 12 years) had CCCs, while coronary fistulas were identified in 2 (0.01%). In the first patient, the coronary fistula arose from the branches of the left anterior descending (LAD) artery and the right coronary artery (RCA) and drained into the right ventricle. In the second patient, the fistula originated from branches of the LAD artery, the circumflex (Cx) artery and the RCA and drained into the left ventricle. In 7 patients, the CCMCs originated from the LAD artery. In 3 patients, the Cx artery was the origin. The CCMCs originated from the RCA in 2 patients. In 1 patient the CCMC took its origin from the RCA and the Cx artery, while in 2 patients the CCMCs were associated with intracardiac masses in the left atrium and the right atrium, respectively. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of CCCs in adult patients was low and that of large coronary fistulas was even lower; coronary fistulas are probably very rare in adult patients because the majority of them are detected and treated during childhood.

Prevalence and types of coronary to pulmonary artery fistula in a Chinese population at dual-source CT coronary angiography.

BACKGROUND: Coronary to pulmonary artery fistula (CPAF) is rare; reports on the prevalence and types of CPAF in a large cohort of patients are scarce. PURPOSE: To analyze the prevalence and types of CPAF on computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) in a large Chinese population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: CTCA data of 58,533 patients from five Chinese tertiary referral medical centers were retrospectively studied. The prevalence, origin, aneurysmal sac, fistula tracts, and extracardiac communication of CPAF were recorded. CTCA findings were compared with conventional coronary angiography when possible. RESULTS: Ninety-nine patients had CPAF (prevalence of 0.17%). Of the 99 CPAF cases, fistulas were found to originate from either both coronary arteries in 52 patients or from one coronary artery (33 cases from the left and 14 cases from the right coronary artery). Ten CPAF patients were complicated with the communication of extracardiac arteries. Fifteen (15.2%) CPAF patients had aneurysmal sac formation. Thirty (30.3%) patients had a single fistula tract, while 69 (69.7%) patients had multiple fistula tracts. CTCA findings in 16 patients were similar to those at DSA. CONCLUSION: Based on this large cohort, the prevalence of CPAF in the Chinese population is about 0.17%, with origin from either the left or right coronary artery or from both. CTCA can clearly visualize the types, abnormal vascular tracts, and aneurysmal sac formation of CPAF.

[The persistent trigeminal artery as evidenced by multislice spiral computed tomographic angiography].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of the persistent trigeminal artery (PTA) and to reveal its relationship to cerebral aneurysms, as well as the concomitant anatomic features of cerebral arteries according to the data of multislice spiral computed tomographic angiography (CTA). MATERIAL AND METHODS. A total of 1041 patients underwent brachiocephalic artery CTA according to different clinical indications. PTA and cerebral arterial aneurysms were found on the computed tomographic angiograms and the anatomic features of the structure of the circle of Willis were assessed. RESULTS: PTA was identified in 6 (0.58%) of the 1041 patients. Cerebral aneurysm was present in only one patient with PTA and concurrent with hypoplasia of the contralateral A1 segment of the anterior cerebral artery. Hypoplasia of the basilar artery (BA) and both vertebral arteries (VA) was observed in 3 (60%) cases, with the diameter of PTA at its confluence with BA exceeding 3 mm. When the diameter of BA was normal, that of PTA was less than 2 mm. All PTAs were wider at their base, by decreasing in diameters distally. CONCLUSION: CTA showed that the incidence of PTA was 0.58% and its lateral type according to the Salas classification and Saltzman's type 1 were more common (5/6). In 4 cases, PTA was concurrent with VA and BA hypoplasia, with its degree being inversely related to the distal diameter of PTA. There was no convincing evidence for a relationship of PTA to cerebral aneurysms.

Multidetector computed tomography imaging of coronary artery anomalies.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence of coronary artery anomalies and to demonstrate in which cases multidetector computed tomography has an additional clinical value compared with the conventional angiography. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 2375 multidetector computed tomography studies were retrospectively reviewed to determine the dominance of the coronary artery anomalies. The classification of coronary artery anomalies was made according to anatomical criteria--origin, course, intrinsic anatomy, and termination--and clinical relevance--benign versus malignant. RESULTS: The coronary artery system was right dominant in 83.99%, left dominant in 8.0%, and co-dominant in 9.01% of the cases. The incidence of the origin and/or course anomalies was 1.76%, that of fistulas was 0.42%, and that of myocardial bridges was 10.82%. Multidetector computed tomography was performed after conventional angiography in 23 cases and it provided additional information regarding its origin and proximal course, as well as its relationship with the aortic root and main pulmonary trunk in 100% of the cases; eight malignant cases were found. In addition, in all of (100%) the six cases with coronary artery fistulas, conventional angiography failed to detect their terminations, which were clearly depicted by multidetector computed tomography. CONCLUSION: Multidetector computed tomographic angiography is superior to conventional angiography in delineating the ostial origin and proximal course of anomalous coronary arteries. Furthermore, it reveals the exact relationship of anomalous coronary arteries with the aorta and the pulmonary artery. Anomalies of the intrinsic anatomy and the termination of coronary arteries are also better visualised with multidetector computed tomography.

Coronary to pulmonary artery fistula: morphologic features at multidetector CT.

The objective of this study is to evaluate the incidence and morphologic features of coronary-pulmonary artery fistulas (CPAF) by multidetector computed tomography (MDCT). From 2006 to 2008, 5,372 patients underwent ECG-gated cardiac CT scans using 64-slice MDCT at our institute. Among them, 17 cases of CPAF were detected (M:F = 14:3, mean age = 63 years). Chief complaints of patients were chest pain (n = 12), abnormal cardiac test (n = 3), known coronary artery disease (n = 1), and known CPAF (n = 1). We retrospectively analyzed the morphologic features of CPAF, such as origin vessels, draining site, fistula size, and aneurysmal sac. Five cases underwent coronary angiography (CAG) and correlated with MDCT findings. Incidence of CPAF was 0.32% by MDCT. The origin of CPAF was the left coronary artery in five (29.4%), the right coronary artery in two (11.8%) and both coronary arteries in ten cases (58.8%). In regard to the diameter of the detected fistula, the diameter of the largest vessel excluding aneurysm was variable from less than 2 to 5.7 mm. Five patients (29.4%) had a fistula that was shown as one vessel that could be traced, one patient (5.9%) was shown as two vessels, and eleven patients (64.7%) were shown as innumerable multiple vessel networks. Five cases were associated with aneurysm (29.4%). Fistulas were located primarily in the left anterolateral aspect of the pulmonary trunk (82.3%) and mostly the drainage site was the left lateral side of the pulmonary trunk (82.3%). CAG was performed in five cases and revealed identical findings to MDCT. In conclusion, coronary-pulmonary artery fistula is more frequently found than anticipated on MDCT. CPAF is supplied by either single or both coronary arteries and drains to the left side of the pulmonary trunk. It is typically located in the anterolateral aspect of the pulmonary trunk. Sometimes CPAF is associated with aneurysms.

Persistent primitive trigeminal arteries (PTA) and its variant (PTAV): analysis of 103 cases detected in 16,415 cases of MRA over 3 years.

INTRODUCTION: The primitive persistent trigeminal artery (PTA) is the most common carotid-basilar anastomosis, but because of its extremely low incidence, it is poorly understood. The purpose of this study is to clarify the features of PTA and its variants (PTAV) based on a large magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) series. METHODS: MRA was performed on continuous 16,415 patients (8,610 males and 7,805 females) between October 2005 and September 2008 using two 1.5-T systems and one 1.0-T system. These all MRAs were evaluated by neuroradiologists. RESULTS: The incidence of both PTA and PTAV was 0.68% (48 cases of PTA, 50 cases of PTAV, and five unclassified). Among them, 65 cases originated from the left internal carotid artery and 38 from the right. There were 44 cases of lateral type PTA and four cases of medial type. Hypoplasia of the basilar artery proximal to the union of PTA was recognized as follows: no hypoplasia in 12 cases, moderate hypoplasia in 22 cases, and severe hypoplasia in 13 cases. Distance from SCA and the union was an average of 6.7 mm. Four cases of pre- and postoperative cerebral aneurysms were recognized in 103 cases (3.9%). CONCLUSION: We have identified details of both PTA/PTAV. The incidence of PTA was similar to previous studies, and the co-existence of cerebral aneurysm was also similar when compared to patients in the general population without PTA or PTAV.

Persistent trigeminal artery associated with trigeminal neuralgia: hypothesis of neurovascular compression.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of persistent trigeminal artery (PTA) associated with trigeminal neuralgia (TN). METHODS: From January 1998 to January 2004, 288 MRI scans of patients examined for trigeminal deficits were retrospectively evaluated. MRI was performed at 1.5 T. Scan protocols included cerebral TSE T2-weighted imaging, contrast enhanced SE T1-weighted imaging and thin-section 3D T2-weighted imaging of the temporal bones, 3D TOF pre- and postcontrast MR angiography. TN was defined as episodes of intense stabbing, electric shock-like pain in areas of the face supplied by the trigeminal branches. Neurovascular compression (NVC) was assumed to be present if the patient showed clinical features of TN, if there was contact between an artery and the trigeminal nerve on the affected side, and if other pathology had been excluded. The prevalence and confidence intervals were calculated (95% CI of the prevalence was based on the exact binomial distribution). RESULTS: Of 288 patients, 136 matched the criteria for TN. In this series a PTA was detected in three patients, which in all patients was on the same side as the TN. The prevalence of a PTA in patients presenting with TN was 2.2% (CI 0.005-0.06). CONCLUSION: Previous studies have shown PTA as an incidental finding in 0.1-0.6% of cerebral angiograms. The prevalence of a PTA in patients with TN was 2.2%. With respect to the clinical significance, a PTA has to be considered in TN and the diagnosis of a PTA can easily be made using MR imaging/angiography.

Coronary artery fistulae.

Coronary artery fistulae are abnormal communications between a coronary artery and a cardiac chamber or major vessel (vena cava, pulmonary veins, pulmonary artery). They are usually diagnosed by coronary arteriography. Clinical presentations are variable depending on the type of fistula, shunt volume, site of the shunt, and presence of other cardiac conditions. In this article, we review the literature regarding etiology, incidence, clinical manifestation, image studies, and management.

Angiographic detection of the left anterior descending and the right coronary artery after fistulas into the pulmonary artery in a patient with rheumatic mitral stenosis.

Coronary artery fistula is a rare heart defect found in approximately 0.2% of the adult population undergoing coronary angiography. The diagnosis is usually made by aortography and selective coronary angiography. We report here an adult patient with rheumatic mitral stenosis and left anterior descending coronary artery and pulmonary conus branch of right coronary artery-pulmonary artery fistulas detected by coronary angiography.

Dutch survey of coronary artery fistulas in adults: congenital solitary fistulas.

AIMS: Congenital coronary artery fistulas are frequently identified in adult and pediatric populations and they have been associated with various clinical and morphological features. The purpose of this study was to define the clinical and coronary angiographic morphological characteristics of adult patients with congenital solitary CAFs in the Dutch Registry. METHODS AND RESULTS: Fifty-one patients with angiographically documented CAFs were reviewed for clinical evaluation, used non-invasive and invasive diagnostic tools and treatment modalities. Unilateral CAFs were predominant (80%) and 84% of the patients were symptomatic. The most common presenting symptom was angina pectoris (57%). Angina pectoris was present in a quarter of the patients in the absence of coronary artery disease (CAD). Significant CAD was present in 49% of the patients. Twenty-nine percent of the CAFs showed aneurysmal formation, underlying their potential hazard of rupture. Myocardial infarction occurred in 18% of the patients. In 27% of CAFs multiplicity of the origin was found and nearly all fistulas were tortuous (97%). Treatment modalities were conservative medical in 70%, percutaneous transluminal embolisation in 5% and surgical ligation in 25% of the cases. Multiple micro-fistulas from the coronary arteries to the left ventricle were excluded from the study. CONCLUSION: In this national survey series, congenital solitary CAFs can be presented with typical angina pectoris in the absence of obstructive CAD. Fistula-related coronary artery was infrequently involved in the development of ipsilateral myocardial infarction. Tortuousity and multiplicity of the CAFs may determine, for the individual patient, the choice of the currently available treatment modalities.