Surgical treatment of coronary artery aneurysms

Coronary Artery Anomalies: Diagnosis & Management

Coronary artery anomalies encompass a spectrum of congenital abnormalities affecting the origin, course, or termination of the major epicardial coronary arteries. Despite their rarity, coronary artery anomalies represent a significant burden on cardiovascular health due to their potential to disrupt myocardial blood flow and precipitate adverse cardiac events. While historically diagnosed postmortem, the widespread availability of imaging modalities has led to an increased recognition of coronary artery anomalies, particularly in adults. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the classification, mechanisms, and clinical implications of coronary anomalies, focusing on prevalent variants with significant clinical impact. We discuss strategies for medical and surgical management, as well as contemporary screening recommendations, acknowledging the evolving understanding of these anomalies. Given the breadth of possible variants and the limited data on some presentations, this review provides a framework to aid clinicians in the recognition and management of coronary anomalies, with a particular emphasis on their stratification by anatomical location. By consolidating existing knowledge and highlighting areas of uncertainty, this review aims to enhance clinical decision-making and improve outcomes for individuals with coronary anomalies.

Coronary Artery Aneurysms, Arteriovenous Malformations, and Spontaneous Dissections-A Review of the Evidence

BACKGROUND

Coronary artery aneurysms (CAAs), coronary arteriovenous malformations (CAVMs), and spontaneous coronary artery dissections (SCADs) are rare clinical entities, and much is unknown about their natural history, prognosis, and management.

METHODS

A systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases was performed in March 2023 to identify published papers related to CAAs, CAVMs, and SCADs.

RESULTS

CAAs are found in 0.3% to 12% of patients undergoing angiography and are often associated with coronary atherosclerosis. They are usually asymptomatic but can be complicated by thrombosis in up to 4.8% of patients and rarely by rupture (0.2%). CAAs can be managed medically, percutaneously with stents or coil embolization, and surgically. The most common surgical procedure is ligation of the aneurysm, followed by coronary artery bypass grafting. The incidence of CAVMs is 0.1% to 0.2% in patients undergoing angiography, and they are most likely associated with congenital abnormal development of the coronary vessels. The diagnosis of CAVMs is usually incidental. Surgical or percutaneous intervention is indicated for patients with large CAVMs, which carry a potential risk of myocardial infarction. SCADs represent 1% to 4% of all acute coronary syndromes and typically affect young women. SCADs are strongly correlated with pregnancy, suggesting the role of sex hormones in their pathogenesis. Conservative management of SCAD is preferred for stable patients without signs of ischemia as spontaneous resolution is frequently reported. Unstable patients should undergo revascularization either percutaneously or with coronary artery bypass grafting.

CONCLUSIONS

Further evidence regarding the management of these rare diseases is needed and can ideally be derived from multicenter collaborations.

Acute myocardial infarction due to giant coronary artery aneurysm and arteriovenous fistula: a challenging case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

A coronary artery aneurysm (CAA) is an abnormal dilation of a coronary artery segment often accompanied by coronary artery fistula (CAF), leading to communication between a coronary artery and a cardiac chamber or a part of the coronary venous system. Both CAAs and CAFs can present with symptoms and signs of myocardial ischemia and infarction.

CASE PRESENTATION

We describe the case of a 46-year-old woman with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) caused by a "giant" CAA. Various imaging modalities revealed a thrombus-containing aneurysm located at the right-posterior cardiac border, with established arteriovenous communication with the distal part of left circumflex artery (LCx). After initial treatment with dual antiplatelet therapy, a relapse of pain was reported along with a new increase in troponin levels, electrocardiographic abnormalities, reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and thrombus enlargement. Surgical excision of the aneurysm was favored, revealing its true size of 6 cm in diameter. Τhe aneurysm was excised without complications. The patient remained asymptomatic during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Management of rare entities such as "giant" CAAs and CAFs can be challenging. Cases such as this can serve as precedents to facilitate treatment plans and develop consistent recommendations, emphasizing the importance of personalized strategies for future patients.

A rare case of diffuse ectasia in the coronary arteries and proximal aneurysm in the left anterior descending artery: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Coronary artery aneurysm is defined as dilatation of a segment of coronary artery, greater than 1.5 times the diameter of the largest normal coronary artery of the patient. Major cause of coronary artery aneurysm is coronary artery disease. Coronary artery aneurysm maybe an incidental finding during coronary angiography or it may present with symptoms including chest pain, myocardial infarction or even death.

CASE PRESENTATION

We present a rare case of a 59-year-old gentleman, who had, previously, underwent multiple left heart catheterizations and percutaneous coronary interventions. He presented to us with symptomatic diffuse ectasia of the coronary arteries with proximal aneurysm in the Left Anterior Descending Artery.

DISCUSSION

Coronary artery aneurysms are very rare with an incidence of about 0.02 %-0.04 % and a prevalence of 0.3 %-12 %. Right Coronary Artery is the principal site coronary artery aneurysms with a predominance of 83.8 %. The occurrence of multiple aneurysms is a very rare finding. About 73 % patients present with single aneurysms while only 27 % present with multiple aneurysms. Coronary artery aneurysms predispose to various complications including compression of the chambers, thrombosis and rupture.

CONCLUSION

From the presented case it can be concluded that even though, conservative management is available, surgical repair is the gold standard treatment, especially in the presence of multiple, symptomatic and large aneurysms in order to avoid fatal ischemic complications.

Successful hybrid repair of a giant coronary artery aneurysm after previous coronary artery bypass grafting

A 64-year-old woman had undergone coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for right coronary occlusion and the Dor procedure for a left ventricular apex aneurysm 10 years previously. A follow-up computed tomography scan showed the evolution of a giant coronary artery aneurysm (CAA) located on the proximal left circumflex artery (CX). It also revealed a previous saphenous vein graft (SVG) that was patent and located on the midline. Surgical exclusion was regarded as invasive, and isolated percutaneous intervention was unsuitable for a wide-necked CAA. Thus, a hybrid approach was planned. First, CABG (SVG-CX) via left thoracotomy was performed. Following the surgery, stent-assisted coil embolization was performed. A coronary angiogram revealed complete CAA exclusion.

Learning objective

Many authors have reported successful repair for coronary artery aneurysm (CAA) with a percutaneous approach or surgery. Although there is no consensus for giant CAA repair, surgical repair including resection, ligation, and coronary artery bypass grafting have been recommended in previous reports. However, every decision should be tailored to suit each condition. In this case with the history of previous cardiovascular surgery, our hybrid approach was thought to be less invasive and feasible than isolated surgical or percutaneous repair.

Presentation and Management of a Giant Coronary Artery Aneurysm with a Fistula to the Right Ventricle

A 27-year-old female presented to our emergency department in ventricular tachycardia. During her workup, she was found to have an extremely rare giant aneurysmal left anterior descending artery (LAD) ending in a coronary fistula to the right ventricle (RV). After stabilization, a variety of treatment options were considered, as there is no standard first-line treatment.

Giant coronary artery aneurysm associated with familial retinal artery macroaneurysm: a case report

BACKGROUND

The term 'Giant' coronary aneurysm is usually defined as any coronary aneurysm more than 8 mm in maximum diameter. The form of familial retinal arterial macroaneurysms (FRAMs) is a rare autosomal recessive disease that is described by arterial aneurysm formation in the retina. Here, we report an association of coronary artery aneurysms with FRAM in a young male who presented with the acute coronary syndrome.

CASE SUMMARY

A 31-year-old male smoker presented to the emergency department with atypical chest pain for 5 days. Blood investigations showed raised troponin enzymes. Review of his past medical history revealed decreased vision in the left eye, starting at the age of 10 years which progressed to blindness. He was diagnosed to have IGFBP7 mutation which causes eye manifestations in the form of FRAM. Fundoscopy showed bleeding retinal artery macroaneurysms in the right retina and sub-retinal gliosis suggesting laser treatment for the prior retinal arterial aneurysm. Coronary angiogram revealed a large aneurysm in the proximal segment of the left anterior descending (LAD) artery. Cardiac computed tomography scan with contrast was done which showed a 2.28 × 1.64 cm coronary aneurysm at the proximal segment of the LAD artery with peripheral calcification with a narrow neck of about 0.6 cm. After the heart team discussion, he underwent surgical ligation of the LAD and coronary aneurysm with implantation of the saphenous venous graft to distal LAD.

DISCUSSION

Coronary artery aneurysms can be a part of multisystem diseases like FRAM. The management should be individualized based on symptoms at presentation, size of coronary aneurysms, and local expertise.

Surgical myocardial revascularization outcomes in Kawasaki disease: systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a systemic inflammatory condition occurring predominantly in children. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is performed in the presence of inflammation and aneurysms of the coronary arteries. The objectives of our study were to assess which CABG strategy provides better graft patency and early and long-term outcomes.

Methods

A systematic review using Medline, Cochrane, and Scopus databases was performed in February 2020, incorporating a network meta-analysis, performed by random-effect model within a Bayesian framework, and pooled prevalence of adverse outcomes. Hazard ratios (HR) and corresponding 95% credible intervals (CI) were calculated by Markov chain Monte Carlo methods.

Results

Among 581 published reports, 32 studies were selected, including 1,191 patients undergoing CABG for KD. Graft patency of internal thoracic arteries (ITAs), saphenous veins (SV), and other arteries (gastroepiploic artery and radial artery) was compared. ITAs demonstrated the best patency rates at long-term follow-up (HR 0.33, 95% CI: 0.17–0.66). Pooled prevalence of early mortality after CABG was 0.28% (95% CI: 0.00–0.73%, I² = 0%, tau² = 0), with 63/1,108 and 56/1,108 patients, undergoing interventional procedures and surgical re-interventions during follow-up, respectively. Pooled prevalence was 3.97% (95% CI: 1.91–6.02%, I² = 60%, tau² = 0.0008) for interventional procedures and 3.47% (95% CI: 2.26–4.68%, I² = 5%, tau² <0.0001) for surgical re-interventions. Patients treated with arterial, venous, and mixed (arterial plus second venous graft) CABG were compared to assess long-term mortality. Mixed CABG (HR 0.03, 95% CI: 0.00–0.30) and arterial CABG (HR 0.13, 95% CI: 0.00–1.78) showed reduced long-term mortality compared with venous CABG.

Conclusions

CABG in KD is a safe procedure. The use of arterial conduits provides better patency rates and lower mortality at long-term follow-up.

Giant Right Coronary Ostial Aneurysm in a Patient With Marfan Syndrome

Aortic root dilation and aortic insufficiency are prominent causes of morbidity in Marfan syndrome. These pathologies necessitate surgical repair, including aortic root and aortic valve replacement procedures, to improve prognosis. Coronary artery aneurysms, particularly giant coronary ostial aneurysms, are rare complications of these surgeries in the Marfan population. Due to the significant life-threatening sequelae of coronary artery aneurysms, it is imperative to bring attention regarding this complication to the radiologist assessing thoracic imaging in this patient population.

Surgical exclusion of an idiopathic saccular aneurysm in the left main trunk of the coronary artery

Purpose

A coronary artery aneurysm (CAA) can result in critical cardiac events such as thromboembolic complications or rupture. A saccular CAA located in the left main trunk (LMT) is the most critical form of this pathology and its surgical repair is challenging. We conducted this single-center study to review the surgical outcomes of patients with a saccular CAA in the LMT.

Methods

Between May, 2012 and June, 2020, five patients with a saccular CAA in the LMT underwent surgery at our center. The median age at operation was 66.5 (59.7–69) years and the median diameter of the CAA was 13.0 mm (IQR 11–14 mm).

Results

The CAA was fully excluded by patch closure of the LMT orifice and direct closure of the distal LMT, supplemented by coronary artery bypass grafting with the exclusive use of arterial conduits. There was no in-hospital mortality, although one patient suffered graft spasm-related myocardial infarction with complete recovery. Post-operative angiography showed a fully excluded LMT in all patients. There was no mortality or adverse cardiac events during follow-up.

Conclusions

Our surgical policy for CAA in the LMT is feasible and safe; however, coronary blood flow is dependent on reliable bypasses.

Coronary artery aneurysms: outcomes following medical, percutaneous interventional and surgical management

BACKGROUND

Coronary artery aneurysms (CAAs) are increasingly diagnosed on coronary angiography; however, controversies persist regarding their optimal management. In the present study, we analysed the long-term outcomes of patients with CAAs following three different management strategies.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of patient records with documented CAA diagnosis between 2000 and 2005. Patients were divided into three groups: medical management versus percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) versus coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). We analysed the rate of major cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) over a period of 10 years.

RESULTS

We identified 458 patients with CAAs (mean age 78±10.5 years, 74.5% men) who received medical therapy (N=230) or underwent PCI (N=52) or CABG (N=176). The incidence of CAAs was 0.7% of the total catheterisation reports. The left anterior descending was the most common coronary artery involved (38%). The median follow-up time was 62 months. The total number of MACCE during follow-up was 155 (33.8%); 91 (39.6%) in the medical management group vs 46 (26.1%) in the CABG group vs 18 (34.6%) in the PCI group (p=0.02). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that CABG was associated with better MACCE-free survival (p log-rank=0.03) than medical management. These results were confirmed on univariate Cox regression, but not multivariate regression (OR 0.773 (0.526 to 1.136); p=0.19). Both Kaplan-Meier survival and regression analyses showed that dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) and anticoagulation were not associated with significant improvement in MACCE rates.

CONCLUSION

Our analysis showed similar long-term MACCE risks in patients with CAA undergoing medical, percutaneous and surgical management. Further, DAPT and anticoagulation were not associated with significant benefits in terms of MACCE rates. These results should be interpreted with caution considering the small size and potential for selection bias and should be confirmed in large, randomised trials.

Right coronary artery-left ventricular fistula with giant right coronary artery of diffuse ectasia: a case report

Background

Coronary artery fistula complicated with giant coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is a rare cardiac malformation, and its surgical indications and treatment strategies still need further discussion.

Case summary

In this case, a 41-year-old man had complained of occasional dizziness for 2 years, but he did not seek medical attention until he started to feel palpitations. A right coronary artery (RCA)–left ventricular (LV) fistula with giant RCA of diffuse ectasia was firstly revealed by transthoracic echocardiography. A widened left ventricle and significantly constricted right atrium and right ventricle were also detected by three-dimensional coronary artery computed tomography. Surgical treatment, including the repair of the RCA-LV fistula, the resection and reconstruction of the dilated RCA and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) under hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass, were performed to correct the malformation. The patient presented a favourable health condition without any discomfort at the 1-year follow-up.

Discussion

CAE can be caused by various congenital or acquired factors. Surgical treatment, such as transcatheter embolization excision, surgical ligation or resection for symptomatic patients with CAE three times or larger than the reference diameter, has been reported to have satisfactory results. Additionally, CABG can be selected if myocardial perfusion is compromised and the distal branch is of reasonable size. In this case, the giant ectasia of the RCA may have been a consequence of the congenital RCA-LV fistula. Atherosclerosis, with calcified plaques in the RCA, and the patient’s long-term history of smoking may have contributed to the development of giant ectasia of the RCA.

Challenges and strategies in the management of coronary artery aneurysms

Coronary artery aneurysms (CAAs) are infrequent but not rare. Because of the lack of supportive data and a substantial knowledge gap in this field, clinicians are in a dilemma how to manage patients with coronary artery aneurysms. Most often, CAAs are discovered incidentally, while symptomatic patients present with diverse complications of unstable angina, myocardial infarction, arrhythmias, or sudden cardiac death. Therapeutical approaches consist of surgical procedure, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and medical management. Because of the scarcity of randomized trials or large-scale data on symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with coronary artery aneurysms, the management of these patients poses considerable challenges for the cardiologists. This review summarizes the current literature, a proposed algorithm for the management of CAAs is highlighted in the text. In view of the majority of current proposal information based on small series of case reports or observational studies, an individualized therapeutic regimen should be on the basis of the location, expansion by time, morphology, complications, and etiologies of the coronary artery aneurysms, the clinical presentations, and the patient's characteristics.

Surgical management of a giant right coronary artery aneurysm with coronary arteriovenous fistula: case report

Background

Coronary artery aneurysms (CAAs) are uncommon, and giant aneurysms (>2 cm) are even more unusual. Coronary atherosclerosis and Kawasaki disease are the leading causes for this pathology. The treatment for this condition is controversial because the evidence is based on case report series.

Case summary

We describe the case of a 77-year-old female patient who presented with heart failure symptoms. She was diagnosed with a giant saccular aneurysm arising from the right coronary artery (RCA) ostium and a fistula between the RC and the left anterior descending artery (LAD) to the coronary sinus. And an atrial septal defect (ASD) and severe tricuspid regurgitation were also found. The patient underwent surgery through a medium sternotomy, the aneurysm was opened and resected under cardiopulmonary bypass. The RCA was ligated at the distal end of the aneurysm, and a saphenous vein graft bypass was performed. A coronary arteriovenous fistula from the distal portion of RC and LAD artery to a severely enlarged coronary sinus was found and corrected with an autologous pericardial patch. Closure of the ASD was performed with a pericardial patch and a tricuspid ring annuloplasty was done. Post-operative course was uneventful.

Discussion

There are few cases of giant coronary aneurysms associated with fistulas reported in the literature. Despite the endovascular percutaneous techniques available to treat these patients, we believe that surgical treatment was the best option for this particular case. We consider that surgical treatment is a very good option for giant CAAs associated with AV fistulas that are not susceptible for current endovascular available devices. The literature lacks evidence regarding the best approach for these cases, and we think that invasive treatment should be tailored according to the heart's anatomy and patient risk.

Surgical treatment of coronary atherosclerotic heart disease with right coronary artery aneurysm: a case report

INTRODUCTION

The etiology of coronary artery aneurysms is unknown. Coronary atherosclerosis is considered to be the main etiology. This case reports a patient with a large coronary aneurysm of the right coronary artery.

CASE REPORT

A 65-year-old woman was hospitalized with intermittent chest pain and underwent coronary angiography and echocardiography which showed a large coronary aneurysm of the right coronary artery. The patient recovered well after ligation of coronary artery aneurysms with additional coronary artery bypass grafting.

DISCUSSION

The etiology of coronary aneurysms is unknown, which is relatively rare and mostly secondary. Majority of coronary artery aneurysms are located in the right coronary artery. There is currently no standard treatment. Surgical treatment of coronary artery aneurysms may be considered as a safe treatment option.

CONCLUSION

The standard surgical treatment for coronary artery aneurysms is unclear. For symptomatic large coronary aneurysms, ligation of coronary artery aneurysms with additional coronary artery bypass grafting can achieve good results.

Coronary Artery Ectasia Presenting as a Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction in a Young Adult: Case Presentation and Literature Review

While acute coronary syndromes most commonly occur secondary to unstable atherosclerotic plaque, coronary aneurysms, also known as coronary artery ectasia (CAE), represent a less common etiology. Whereas coronary atherosclerosis accounts for about 50% of CAE, the remaining 50% are either congenital or secondary to a host of inflammatory and connective tissue disorders, with Kawasaki disease being a well-known association. Patients with CAE have worse outcomes than the general population regardless of the presence of associated atherosclerotic coronary artery disease. We report the case of a young male presenting with chest pain, a right bundle branch block on electrocardiography, an elevated troponin level, and a regional wall motion abnormality on echocardiography who is found to have diffuse coronary artery ectasia on coronary angiography and is managed medically with dual antiplatelet therapy.

Surgical repair of a left main coronary artery aneurysm

We report the repair of a 6.5 × 5.3-cm left main coronary artery aneurysm by marsupialization of the aneurysm sac and coronary artery bypass grafting.

Aneurysmal coronary artery disease: An overview

Aneurysmal coronary artery disease (ACAD) comprises both coronary artery aneurysms (CAA) and coronary artery ectasia (CAE). The reported prevalence of ACAD varies widely from 0.2 to 10%, with male predominance and a predilection for the right coronary artery (RCA). Atherosclerosis is the commonest cause of ACAD in adults, while Kawasaki disease is the commonest cause in children and adolescents, as well as in the Far East. Most patients are asymptomatic, but when symptoms do exist, they are usually related to myocardial ischemia. Coronary angiography is the mainstay of diagnosis, but follow up is best achieved using noninvasive imaging that does not involve exposure to radiation. The optimal management strategy in patients with ACAD remains controversial. Medical therapy is indicated for the vast majority of patients and includes antiplatelets and/or anticoagulants. Covered stents effectively limit further expansion of the affected coronary segments. Surgical ligation, resection, and coronary artery bypass grafting are appropriate for large lesions and for associated obstructive coronary artery disease.