An unusual cause of acute coronary syndrome: thrombosis of right coronary artery to right atrium fistula

BMJ Case Rep. 2023 Dec 30;16(12):e257368. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2023-257368.

Abstract

Coronary arterial fistulae are rare, but it is one of the most common coronary artery anomalies. Most of the cases are asymptomatic in younger patients unless it is large and of haemodynamic significance. The incidence of thromboembolic complications usually increases with age. We report a case of a young male in his early 20s presenting with central chest pain. Coronary computed tomographic angiography revealed acute coronary syndrome due to a fistula between right coronary artery and right atrium occluded by thrombus. After discussion with coronary and congenital heart multidisciplinary team, a consensus was agreed that we should manage him conservatively with anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy and a 3-month follow-up strategy that included repeating cardiac imaging. After a year, his anticoagulation and antiplatelet medication was discontinued.

Keywords: Cardiovascular medicine; Clinical diagnostic tests; Interventional cardiology; Ischaemic heart disease; Radiology (diagnostics).

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Coronary Syndrome* / complications
  • Coronary Angiography
  • Coronary Artery Disease* / complications
  • Coronary Vessel Anomalies* / complications
  • Coronary Vessel Anomalies* / diagnostic imaging
  • Fistula* / complications
  • Fistula* / congenital
  • Fistula* / diagnostic imaging
  • Heart Atria / abnormalities
  • Heart Atria / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Thrombosis* / complications
  • Thrombosis* / diagnostic imaging
  • Thrombosis* / drug therapy
  • Young Adult