Coronary artery-left ventricular multiple microfistulas, a rare disease that is easily missed: case report and literature review

J Int Med Res. 2022 Feb;50(2):3000605221082882. doi: 10.1177/03000605221082882.

Abstract

Coronary artery-left ventricular multiple microfistulas (CALVMMFs) are a very rare type of coronary artery fistula. Because of their special anatomical structure and hemodynamics, CALVMMFs often result in no obvious symptoms and signs. Most patients are diagnosed by coronary angiography; however, as a routine noninvasive screening method, Doppler echocardiography is a potential first-choice diagnostic technique for patients with CALVMMFs. Although satisfactory results of CALVMMF closure are difficult to achieve, the clinical symptoms of these patients are not obvious, and drug therapy has a clear therapeutic effect on most patients. We herein introduce seven cases of CALVMMFs confirmed by our hospital and briefly review the related literature.

Keywords: Coronary artery fistula; Doppler echocardiography; case report; coronary angiography; coronary vessel anomaly; microfistula.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Coronary Angiography
  • Coronary Vessels* / diagnostic imaging
  • Heart Defects, Congenital* / diagnosis
  • Heart Ventricles / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Rare Diseases