Giant left coronary artery aneurysms: Review of the literature and report of a rare case diagnosed by transthoracic echocardiography

Successful sparing approach between the ascending aorta and the main pulmonary artery to the giant coronary aneurysm of the left main coronary artery

Coronary aneurysm located just above the left main coronary artery (LMT) is rare and difficult to treat. How the aneurysm is accessed is very important as it determines the result of the surgery. A 70-year-old man with a large coronary aneurysm (40 mm in diameter) in the LMT underwent surgery to prevent its rupture; however, there was severe adhesion. Initially, dissection of the ascending aorta or the pulmonary artery seemed necessary to access the aneurysm; however, the process was possible with limited dissection between the ascending aorta and the pulmonary artery, and we succeeded in firmly closing the LMT site of entry.

Dual Aneurysms of the Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery Initially Detected by Echocardiography

Echocardiographic detection of abnormalities occurring medially and distally in coronary arteries is uncommon and is not well recognized. Herein, we describe an 87-year-old woman with two distinct aneurysms involving a branch of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD), one of which communicated with the pulmonary artery (PA). Initially determined via transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), these findings were subsequently validated by coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA). We also present a review of the published studies of multiple coronary artery aneurysms (CAAs) exceeding 20 mm in diameter, focusing on the location, etiology, symptoms, and common ultrasonic characteristics of 30 cases. Echocardiography is a valuable, noninvasive technique for initial detection, monitoring, and follow-up of CAAs, serving to direct further diagnostics.

Rare Case of Giant Asymptomatic Left Coronary Artery Aneurysm of 10 cm Associated with Coronary Cameral Fistula

A giant coronary artery aneurysm (CAA) associated with a coronary cameral fistula is an extremely rare finding. Most cases of CAAs are asymptomatic. The incidence of CAA varies between 0.3% to 5.3%. Due to advancements in diagnostic technologies, the incidence of CAA is on the rise. Even in the modern days of medical science, the clinical course of CAA is still unpredictable and the suitable timing for the treatment of CAA is still open to debate. We reported a case of a giant coronary artery aneurysm in a 38-year-old female, which was 9.4 x 9.7 x 9.2cm in size, arising from the left coronary artery, extending into the proximal circumflex, and draining into the right atrium, forming a fistula tract. The patient was diagnosed with the help of coronary computed tomography (CT) and cardiac catheterization after which surgery was performed to repair the aneurysm and fistula. Postoperatively, the patient recovered without any complication.

CT coronary angiography findings in non-atherosclerotic coronary artery diseases

Non-atherosclerotic coronary artery diseases are being increasingly recognised as causes of acute coronary events. Invasive coronary angiography frequently fails to identify the abnormalities in the proximal course of coronary arteries and coronary wall, while computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) allows for acquisition of more detailed information. CTCA serves as a reliable method for evaluating patients with non-atherosclerotic coronary artery diseases. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of non-atherosclerotic abnormalities that may be demonstrated on CTCA.

Multiple Giant Coronary Artery Aneurysms: A Rare Cause of Sudden Cardiac Death

Multiple giant aneurysms involving the coronary arteries are uncommon and rarely reported. In the presented case, a 63-year-old man with poorly controlled hypertension died suddenly. Gross autopsy examination showed multiple giant thrombus-filled coronary artery aneurysms, atherosclerotic coronary artery disease, and cardiomegaly. Histological sections of the coronary aneurysms showed atherosclerotic changes with both organized and fresh thrombus. Giant coronary aneurysm is defined as a segmental enlargement of a coronary artery with a diameter exceeding 20 mm or more. The main etiology of this nebulous entity is attributed to atherosclerosis and inflammatory or inherited connective tissue disorders with the remainder being congenital, infectious, or idiopathic. Before its cataclysmic presentation, when ruptured or thrombosed, giant coronary aneurysm usually has a silent clinical course. Sudden death owing to giant multiple coronary aneurysms is rare and mandates careful classification of the aneurysms and prudent search for autoimmune-mediated or genetically based factors for subsequent ancillary autopsy studies.