Coronary Artery Fistula: A Diagnostic Dilemma
Rajesh Kumar, J Kumar, Cormac O’Connor, Ihsan Ullah, Benjamin Tyrell, Ian Pearson, Sajjad Matiullah, Kevin R. Bainey
Abstract
Coronary artery fistula (CAF), although one of the rare coronary anomalies, is becoming increasingly more detectable in the recent years due to advancements in cardiac diagnostic imaging. Its long-term prognostic implications and importance for the cardiovascular system remain a dilemma for cardiologists and patients. Based on a variety of haemodynamic symptoms and complications, cardiologists must be aware of the characteristics of CAF and the diagnostic importance of multi-slice CT in evaluation, pre-procedural management and follow-up. Both surgical and percutaneous options are available for symptomatic patients or those with complications, while management of asymptomatic CAF remains a viable alternative.