Isolated congenital coronary fistula in adult population: discussion a clinical case and review of current literature

Abstract

We describe a case of a 56 year-old man with a history of chest pain. No evidence of myocardial ischemia or arrhytmias was observed. Echocardiographic examination in Emergency Department evidenced aortic root dilatation. Angio CT excluded aortic dissection. Trans esophageous Echocardiography (TEE) correctly identified an arterial fistula between the right coronary artery and superior vena cava, confirmed by angio CT 3-D reconstruction and coronarography. The definitive diagnosis was made after integrated approach (using TTE, TEE, CT, coronarography). The anatomic features of the fistula and the aortic root were examinated. Actually the patient is being followed with serial clinical and echocardiography examination for monitoring hemodynamic overload by fistula and size of aortic root for potential surgical correction. Current literature for incidence, diagnosis and the treatment of coronary fistulas is discussed.