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

Abstract

BackgroundCoronary 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 presentationWe 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.ConclusionWe presented a rare and complex combination of congenital coronary artery-to pulmonary artery fistula, giant coronary aneurysmal dilatation, and thrombosis through multi-modality evaluations.