Fistula between saphenous vein graft (SVG) and a cardiac chamber or structure is a rare complication after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). We report the first case of a fistula between SVG and the right atrium (RA) as an immediate complication after a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in an 86-year-old female. She presented with inferior ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and was treated with thrombolytic therapy in a peripheral hospital, which was unsuccessful. PCI to SVG to the right coronary (RCA) was complicated by a fistula to RA. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) confirmed the site of the fistula and also presence of a significant arteriovenous (AV) shunt. Reversal of anticoagulation had no effect on fistula closure. Therefore, a covered stent was deployed for closure of the fistula to avoid long-term complications of the significant AV shunt. In summary, the diagnosis and appropriate management of this rare complication is challenging, but excellent result can be achieved by the use of appropriate percutaneous techniques.
Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.