[Imaging feature of computed tomography angiography in patients with coronary artery fistulas]

Zhonghua Xin Xue Guan Bing Za Zhi. 2011 Aug;39(8):739-42.
[Article in Chinese]

Abstract

Objective: To analyzed the computed tomography angiography (CTA) features of the coronary artery fistulas.

Methods: Sixty-six coronary artery fistulas were diagnosed out of 12 717 patients underwent the coronary artery multiple detector CTA examination. The origin and drainage site of the coronary artery fistulas and the plaque and stenosis of the coronary artery were observed by post-processing analysis on various images. Coronary artery angiography was performed in 14 out of 66 coronary artery fistulas patients.

Results: Coronary artery fistulas arose from bilateral coronary artery system in 21 cases, from left coronary artery in 26 cases and from right coronary artery in 19 cases. The majority of coronary artery fistulas entered into pulmonary artery (41 cases). The rest drainage sites included left atrium (10 cases), right atrium (8 cases), left ventricle (4 cases), coronary sinus (2 cases) and right ventricle (1 case). The findings of CTA and coronary artery angiography were consistent in 14 patients with DSA examination. Coronary artery plagues were evidenced in 31 cases and stenosis was greater than 50% in 7 coronary artery fistulas patients.

Conclusions: Multiple coronary artery fistulas are not rare, and pulmonary artery is the most frequent drainage site. When suspecting the coronary artery fistulas, coronary artery CTA can be the first choice of diagnose. CTA can supply adequate information for therapy.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Arterio-Arterial Fistula / diagnostic imaging*
  • Coronary Angiography
  • Coronary Artery Disease / diagnostic imaging*
  • Coronary Vessels / pathology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Young Adult