Rare multiple fistulas with large saccular aneurysms originating from left anterior descending artery and left main coronary artery

A 49-year-old female patient consulted us for a cardiac evaluation before undergoing colon adenocarcinoma surgery. Three years prior, the patient underwent coronary angiography for dyspnea. The coronary angiography examination revealed a fistula originating from the left anterior descending artery and left main coronary artery, which had soft aneurysmal sacs and most likely drained into the pulmonary artery. Parasternal short axis echocardiography revealed a color flow that could be related to the fistula, but the other echocardiographic findings were normal. The patient did not accept the proposed examination and invasive treatment.

Off-pump versus on-pump coronary artery bypass surgery for the treatment of left main with triple coronary artery disease

Objective：To obtain early results of off-pump coronarE~ artery bypass grafting（OPCAB） in patients with significant left main coronary artery（LMCA） and triple vessels stenosis by comparing with those of a similar group undergoing conventional coronary artery bypass surgery（CCAB）. Methods：Data for patients with significant LMCA and triple vessels stenosis who underwent CCAB or OPCAB were collected retrospectively between January 1999 and May 2006. Non-randomized, retrospective data analysis included demo- graphic and preoperative risk factors, operative details, clinical outcome and early follow-up. Results： The number of distal anastomo- sis and grafts varied from 3 to 6. The average number per patient was similar in the two groups （OPCAB group：3.76 ± 0.98, CCAB group：3.81 ± 1.02）. Thirty-day mortality occurred to one patient in the OPCAB group whereas two early deaths were observed in the CCAB group but did not reach statistical significance （P 〉 0.05）. The frequency of atrial fibrillation （AF）, IABP usage, mediastinitis, re-operation for bleeding （or tamponade） were similar in the two groups （P 〉 0.05）. Postoperative inotropic requirements, peak CKMB, ventilation time, blood loss, FFP, RBC transfusion need and the length of ICU-stay were all significantly lower in the OPCAB group compared with CCAB group（P 〈 0.05）.Conclusion： Significant LMCA and triple-vessel stenosis can safely and effectively undergo myocardial revascularization using OPCAB surgery. LMCA should no longer be seen as a contraindication to perform OPCAB grafting.

Does Right Coronary Artery Stenosis Increase Morbi-Mortality in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft for Left Main Coronary Artery Disease?

Background: The association of right coronary artery (RCA) stenosis in patients undergoing myocardial revascularization for left main coronary artery (LMCA) stenosis affects the prognosis. This study aimed to compare immediate results of patients with isolated LMCA stenosis and those with combined RCA stenosis. Patients and methods: We retrospectively evaluated 107 consecutive patients with LMCA disease who underwent coronary artery bypass grafts. The patients were divided into two groups: isolated LMCA stenosis (n = 36) and LMCA stenosis + RCA stenosis (n = 71). Different variables (preoperative, intra operative and post operative) were compared. Results: Patients with LMCA stenosis + RCA stenosis experienced higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus (p = 0.024) and smoker (p = 0.032). Also left ventricular EF was reduced (p = 0.004). Myocardial revascularization was more complete in patients with LMCA stenosis + RCA stenosis (p = 0.033), but in-hospital mortality rate was higher (12.6% vs 5.5%) in isolated LLMCA stenosis, but it did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.32). Except low output syndrome (LOS) that was frequent in presence of RCA stenosis (p = 0.026), no significant difference was found between groups for other complications. Conclusion: The presence of RCA stenosis in patients undergoing CABG for LMCA disease increases 30 day mortality but without significant impact on overall morbidities.

Deep Inspiration Breath Hold Reduces Dose to the Left Ventricle and Proximal Left Anterior Descending Artery during Radiotherapy for Left-Sided Breast Cancers

The purpose of this study was to analyze motion of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) and left ventricle during normal breathing and deep inspiration breath hold (DIBH). This is a dosimetric study utilizing free-breathing and static DIBH scans from eleven patients treated with radiotherapy for breast cancer. The anterior-posterior displacement along the length of the LAD was measured in each respiratory phase. Standard treatment plans targeting the whole breast without treatment of the internal mammary lymph nodes were generated and dose to the LAD and LV calculated. Non-uniform movement of the LAD during respiratory maneuvers with the proximal third exhibiting the greatest displacement was observed. In DIBH compared to end-expiration (EP), the mean posterior displacement of the proximal 1/3 of the LAD was 8.99 mm, the middle 1/3 of the artery was 6.37 mm, and the distal 1/3 was 3.27 mm. In end-inspiration (IP) compared to end-expiration the mean posterior displacements of the proximal 1/3 of the LAD was 2.08 mm, the middle 1/3 of the artery was 0.91 mm, and the distal 1/3 was 0.97 mm. Mean doses to the LAD using tangential treatment fields and a prescribed dose of 50.4 Gy were 11.32 Gy in EP, 8.98 Gy in IP, and 3.50 Gy in DIBH. Mean doses to the LV were 2.38 Gy in EP, 2.31 Gy in IP, and 1.24 Gy in DIBH. In conclusion, inspiration and especially DIBH, cause a displacement of the origin and proximal 2/3 of the LAD away from the chest wall, resulting in sparing of the most critical segment of the artery during tangential radiotherapy.

Coronary collateral circulation： Effects on outcomes of acute anterior myocardial infarction after primary percutaneous coronary intervention

Background To investigate the effects of collateral coronary circulation on the outcome of the patients with anterior myocardial infarction （MI） with left anterior desending artery occlusion abruptly. Methods Data of 189 patients with acute anterior MI who had a primary percutaneous coronary intervention （PCI） in the first 12 h from the onset of symptoms between January 2004 and December 2008 were retrospective analyzed. Left anterior descending arteries （LAD） of all patients were occluded. LADs were reopened with primary PCI. According to the collateral circulation, all patients were classified to two groups： no collateral group （n = 111）, patients without angiographic collateral filling of LAD or side branches （collateral index 0） and collateral group （n = 78）, and patients with angiographic collateral filling of LAD or side branches （collateral index 1, 2 or 3）. At one year＇ s follow-up, the occurrence of death, reinfarctlon, stent thrombosis （ST）, target vessel revascularization and readmission because of heart failure were observed. Results At one year, the mortality was lower in patients with collateral circulation compared with those without collateral circulation （1% vs. 8%, P = 0.049）, whereas there Were no differences in the occurrence of reinfarction, ST, target vessel revascularization and readmission because of heart failure. The occurrence of composite of endpoint was lower in patients with collateral circulation compared with those without collateral circulation （12% vs. 26%; P = 0.014）. Conclusions Pre-exist collateral circulation may prefigure the satisfactory prognosis to the patients with acute anterior MI after primary PCI in the first 12 h of MI onset.

Novel treatment of coronary artery fistulae concealing severe coronary artery lesion： using thrombus aspiration catheter as a delivery guide

In this case report, we present the occlusion of multiple coronary artery fistulaes originating from proximal left anterior descending （LAD） and fight sinus valsavla and empting to the pulmonary artery at the same place. We occluded LAD fistulae by using thrombus aspira- tion catheter as a delivery guide. To the best of our knowlege, this is the first case of occlusion of coronary fistulaes with the help of throm- bus aspiration catheter. Our experience may suggest that thrombus aspiration catheters can be used in treating coronary artery fistulaes with difficult anotomv.

Coronary-Cameral Fistula appeared after coronary artery intervention

A 63-year-old male with old myocardial infarction was referred to cardiology department with cardiac arrest.Electrocardiogram revealed Q wave in the precordial leads demonstrating ischemia of anterior left ventricular wall.Mild pulmonary edema was documented on chest X-ray.Transthoracic echocardiography showed severely reduced left ventricular function (EF: 28%) with enlarged left atrium and ventricle.Coronary angiography was performed showing a total occlusion of the proximal portion of the left anterior descending artery (LAD)(Figure 1) with chronic total occlusion in the proximal portion of right coronary artery.Xience stent 2.75 × 23 mm (Abbott) was implanted in the proximal LAD lesion.Coronary angiography after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) revealed no definite coronary fistula (Figure 2).Two weeks later,follow-up coronary angiography demonstrated multiple coronary-left ventricular fistulas (Figure 3) which were absent in the previous angiography.

Coronary artery anomalies： the left main coronary artery or left anterior descending coronary artery originating from the proximal of right coronary artery

Coronary artery anomalies （CAAs） are present at birth, but are usually asymptomatic and are found during coronary angiography or multi-slice computed tomography （MSCT） examinations. Their prevalence is less than 1.3% based published series.1＇2 The most common coronary anomaly is separate origin of the left anterior descending coronary artery （LAD） and left circumflex coronary artery （LCX） from the left sinus of the Valsalva. The second most common anomaly is the origin of the LCX artery from the right coronary artery （RCA） or right sinus of the Valsalva. We present two cases of coronary artery anomalies： one is the left main coronary artery （LMCA） arising from the proximal RCA, the other is the LAD originating from the proximal RCA.

Angiographic differentiation of systolic narrowing of the left anterior descending coronary artery in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy from myocardial bridges

To the Editor： I read with great interest the case report of multiple myocardial bridges affecting both coronary arteries in a patient with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. However, I differ with the authors in their interpretation of the coronary arteriograms.

Multiple myocardial bridges affecting left anterior descending artery and right coronary artery with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy:a case report

The prevalence of myocardial bridging in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy （HCM） is relatively higher, and it usually occurs in the middle and distal portions of the left anterior descending artery. It is rarely reported that multiple lesions of myocardial bridging affecting not only the left anterior descending artery but also right coronary artery. We reported a 56-year-old man suffering from chest discomfort on exertion. Echocardiography and ventriculography showed hypertrophy of the apex involving the anterior and lateral wall. Coronary angiograph revealed multiple myocardial bridges affecting the left anterior descending artery and the right posterior descending artery.

Acute Left Main Coronary Occlusion Following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

Background: Aortic stenosis (AS) is caused by either age-related degeneration of aortic valve or congenital malformation of aortic cusps. Severe aortic valve stenosis is a clinically emerging diagnosis in the current world. The three cardinal signs of severe AS are dyspnea, syncope, and angina. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation is one of the safe and effective methods for treating severe aortic valve stenosis, and an alternative to surgery in high-risk patients. Aortic valve calcification and changes after TAVI were specifically assessed by computed tomography. Excessive aortic valve calcification is related to procedural complications. A possible consequence is obstruction of coronary ostia. Heavy calcification of the aortic valve and surrounding structure is an important risk factor for coronary obstruction, heart block, and embolization during aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Here we present a case of an elderly old man, where critical ostial left main coronary artery (LMCA) disease was caused by shifting of a calcium speck rather than obstruction with native leaflet. He was successfully rescued by an emergent CABG. Methods and Results: This is a case of a 69-year-old man with severe calcific aortic stenosis and single-vessel CAD who underwent TAVI with a relatively unremarkable course. Notably, his pre-operative TAVI angiography showed no LMCA stenosis. But 10 days later he presented to the ER with acute myocardial infarction with peak high-intensity troponins, diffuse ST changes, and cardiogenic shock. Urgent coronary angiography and intravascular ultrasound showed critical LMCA stenosis caused by a speck of calcium externally abating the vessel. He underwent emergency coronary artery bypass grafting;intraoperative TEE confirmed the etiology. He had an uneventful postoperative course and was successfully weaned off vasoactive medications. Conclusion: This case illustrates that obstruction of coronary ostia could be a possible complication of TAVI. Calcium distribution should factor in TAVI versus surgical candidacy. Calcium shifting should be watched closely during valve deployment, post-TAVI coronary angiogram should be considered if shifting was significant or suspected to compromise coronary arteries.

Customized 3D-printed occluders enabling the reproduction of consistent and stable heart failure in swine models

Reproducibility of clinical output is important when investigating therapeutic efficacy in pre-clinical animal studies.Due to its physiological relevance,a swine myocardial infarction(MI)model has been widely used to evaluate the effectiveness of stem cells or tissue-engineered constructs for ischemic heart diseases.Several methods are used to induce MI in the swine model.However,it is difficult,using these approaches,to obtain a similar level of functional outcomes from a group of animals due to interpersonal variation,leading to increased experimental cost.Hence,in order to minimize human intervention,we developed an approach to use a customized occluder that has dimensional similarities with that of the coronary artery of animals in the case of the swine model.We carried out angiography to measure the diameter of the middle left anterior descending artery of each individual animal to fabricate the customized occluder using a 3D-printing system.The fabricated occluder contained a central hole smaller than that of the targeted middle left anterior descending artery to mimic an atherosclerotic coronary artery that has an approximately 20%blocked condition.Interestingly,the 3D-printed occluder can provide continuous blood flow through the central pore,indicating a high survival rate(88%)of up to 28 days post-operation.This method showed the possibility of creating consistent myocardial infarction induction as compared to the conventional representative closed-chest method(50%survival rate),thus highlighting how our method can have a profound effect on accelerating reliable experiments for developing new therapeutic approaches to ischemic heart diseases.

Variant of Wellen’s syndrome in type 1 diabetic patient: A case report

BACKGROUND Wellen’s syndrome is a form of acute coronary syndrome associated with proximal left anterior descending artery(LAD)stenosis and characteristic electro-cardiograph(ECG)patterns in pain free state.The abnormal ECG pattern is classified into type A(biphasic T waves)and type B(deeply inverted T waves),based on the T wave pattern seen in the pericodial chest leads.CASE SUMMARY We present the case of a 37-year-old male with history of type 1 diabetes mellitus(T1DM),gastroparesis,mild peripheral artery disease and right toe cellulitis on IV antibiotics who presented to the emergency department with nausea,vomiting and abdominal pain for 3 d and as a result couldn’t take his insulin.Noted to have fasting blood sugar 392 mg/dL.Admitted for diabetic gastroparesis.During the hospital course,the patient was asymptomatic and denied any chest pain.On admission,No ECG and troponin draws were performed.On day 2,the patient became hypoxic with oxygen saturation 80%on room air,intermittent mild right-sided chest pain which he attributed to vomiting from his gastroparesis.Initial ECG done was significant for Biphasic T wave changes in leads V2 and V3 and elevated high sensitivity troponin.Patient was transitioned to cardiac intensive care unit and cardiac catheterization performed with result significant for extensive coronary artery disease.CONCLUSION This case highlights an exceptional manifestation of Wellen's syndrome,wherein the right coronary artery and circumflex artery display a remarkable 100%constriction,alongside a proximal LAD stenosis of 90%-95%.Notably,this occurrence transpired in a patient grappling with extensive complications arising from T1DM.Moreover,it underscores the utmost significance of promptly recognizing the presence of Wellen's syndrome and swiftly initiating appropriate medical intervention.

右冠状动脉异位起源的急性心肌梗死合并心原性休克1例

右冠状动脉异位起源于左前降支是非常罕见的先天性异常,作为间隔支分支的右冠状动脉临床少有报道。本文报道1例此罕见病例,患者52岁女性,因“突发心前区疼痛4 h,晕厥1次”就诊,心电图提示V1~V4,V3R、V4R、V5R导联ST段抬高约0.1~0.3mV,血压63/40mmHg,考虑诊断为急性前壁、右心室ST段抬高型心肌梗死,心原性休克。予主动脉内球囊反搏(IABP)辅助下行急诊经皮冠状动脉介入治疗,处理罪犯病变时意外发现右冠状动脉作为一分支血管异位起源于第二间隔支开口处。

无创左心室心肌做功技术在非心肌梗死冠心病患者诊断中的应用研究

目的 探讨无创左心室心肌做功技术(left ventricular myocardial work,LVMW)在非心肌梗死冠心病诊断中的应用价值。方法 选取我院心血管内科门诊就诊的既往有疑似缺血性胸痛发作病史的非心肌梗死患者109例,均行常规超声心动图检查并进行LVMW分析,具有完整的冠状动脉造影资料。以冠状动脉造影结果为金标准分为无冠状动脉狭窄组40例,单支病变组40例,多支病变组29例,比较各组常规超声参数及心肌做功参数的差异,评价LVMW各参数对冠状动脉狭窄的预测价值。结果 单支、多支病变组较无狭窄组左心室整体做功指数(GWI)、整体有效做功(GCW)、整体做功效率(GWE)均减低,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),整体无效做功(GWW)增高,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);单支病变组较无狭窄组左心室整体长轴应变值(GLS)减低、达峰时间离散指数(PSD)增高,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),多支病变组较无狭窄组GLS减低、PSD增高,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);多支病变组较单支病变组GLS、GWI、GCW、GWE均减低,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),PSD、GWW均增高,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。GWI、GWE、GCW、GWW均具有一定早期预测冠状动脉狭窄的能力(P<0.05),其中GWI预测冠状动脉狭窄(至少一支心外膜下冠状动脉直径狭窄率≥70%)的灵敏度最佳,阳性似然比最大,阴性似然比最小。结论 非心肌梗死冠心病患者左心室心肌做功参数发生改变,GWI可以作为新的无创指标为超声心动图筛查非心肌梗死冠心病提供新的参考方向。

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement(TAVR) for severe aortic valve stenosis with left main artery disease:A case report

Introduction: This is the first case of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement(TAVR) in the prefecture level hospital of Xinjiang Province in China. It also proves that severe left main coronary artery disease(LM)is not the contraindication to this operation of TAVR. Patient concerns:The patient had dyspnea for two years, with the 4/6 spurious murmur at the aortic valve. The cardiac ultrasound revealed a severe aortic valve stenosis(AS) and severe mitral regurgitation(MR). Coronary angiography(CAG)showed 80% stenosis of the left main artery. Diagnosis: The severe aortic valve stenosis(AS). Interventions: He received the TAVR, which also is the first case in the First People's Hospital of Kashi Prefecture. Outcomes: The patient's symptoms were significantly improved. The cardiac ultrasound showed that no obvious regurgitation was found in the implanted artificial aortic valve and the MR was significantly reduced. So far, the patient has recovered well for five months after TAVR. Conclusion:TAVR is an effective method for the severe AS patients with serve LM and loss of surgical opportunity.

aVR导联对急性前壁心肌梗死患者梗死相关血管的预测价值及临床意义

目的 研究aVR导联ST段抬高对急性前壁心肌梗死患者梗死相关血管的预测价值及临床意义.方法 101例首次急性前壁心肌梗死患者根据aVR导联有无ST段抬高分为A组（有ST段抬高）33例和B组（无ST段抬高）68例,对其冠脉造影、心脏彩超结果和临床资料进行比较.结果 ①梗死相关血管为左主干（LM）病变A组9例,B组2例,两组差异有统计学意义（P＜0.01）;梗死相关血管为左前降支（LAD）近端病变A组22例,B组26例,两组差异有统计学意义（P＜0.01）;多支血管病变A组15例,B组16例,两组差异有统计学意义（P＜0.01）.②A组发生心脏事件11例,B组9例,两组差异有统计学意义（P＜0.01）.③A组LVEF值明显低于B组（P＜0.01）.④A组CK-MB峰值明显高于B组（P＜0.01）.结论 aVR导联对急性心肌梗死患者梗死相关血管的判定及预后有重要的临床价值.

冠状动脉搭桥术前后内乳动脉桥及左前降支远段血流动力学改变的超声研究

目的 应用常规超声结合冠脉血流显像技术观察分析冠状动脉搭桥术前后内乳动脉桥及远段左前降支血流动力学改变。方法 行冠状动脉搭桥术患者 46例 ,于手术前后超声检查左内乳动脉 ,其中 3 8例患者检查左前降支远段。结果 术后内乳动脉桥起始段显示率 95 .65 % ,由术前收缩期优势型转变为术后舒张期优势型频谱。左前降支远段血流信号表现为流速及流速时间积分增加。结论 常规超声结合冠脉血流显像技术可为冠状动脉搭桥术后随访提供一种无创的方法。

左冠状动脉主干狭窄的临床分析

目的：探讨左冠状动脉主干（左主干）狭窄患者的临床特征、诊断方法、治疗和预后。方法：据冠状动脉造影（冠造）确定左主干管径狭窄≥５０％为临床有意义病变。并据左主干合并其它血管病变的支数分为：单纯左主干组１３例（１１．３％）；左主干并单支组８例（６．９％）；左主干并双支组２１例（１８．３％）；左主干并三支组７３例（６３．５％）。结果：①１４０９例确诊为冠心病的患者中左主干狭窄１１５例，占８．２％。冠造显示左主干Ⅰ级病变多，占５０．４％；Ⅳ级病变少，占３．５％。②８１例（７０．４％）患者临床表示为不稳定型心绞痛，６９例（６０．０％）患者有心肌梗死病史，５３例（４６．１％）患者胸痛发作时心电图ＳＴ段下移≥０．２ｍＶ，１６例（１３．９％）做运动试验者伴ＳＴ段下移≥０．２ｍＶ。单纯左主干组患者年龄轻（Ｐ＜０．０５），心肌梗死发生率低（Ｐ＜０．０５），左心室射血分数高（Ｐ＜０．０５）。７７例（６６．９％）行冠状动脉旁路移植术，术后６５例（８４．４％）心绞痛消失，手术死亡率为１０．３％。１例左主干开口狭窄９０．０％的患者于造影后猝死。３７例未手术者中４例在随访期死亡，死亡率为１０．８％。结论：左主干狭窄患者心绞痛严重，多合并?

左回旋支心肌桥CTA表现特点分析

目的:通过比较与左前降支心肌桥形态学差别来总结冠脉左回旋支心肌桥CTA表现特点。方法:研究49例左回旋支心肌桥病例的CTA资料,50例左前降支心肌桥作为对照组。比较两组心肌桥的形态、分布、类型、壁冠状动脉长度、收缩期直径及合并冠心病发生率的区别。结果:左回旋支心肌桥发生率为3.36%。平均年龄为55.00±0.87岁,分布在回旋支近、中、远段的例数分别为9例(18.36%)、10例(20.40%)和30例(61.24%);其中浅表型39例(79.60%),深埋型10例(20.40%)。平均壁冠状动脉长度31.30±2.06mm,收缩期平均直径为2.19±3.05mm,心肌桥平均厚度1.23±2.16mm,合并冠心病5例(10.20%)。两组在肌桥类型、分布特点和合并冠心病例数上均有统计学差异(P<0.05)。两组的心肌桥厚度、长度和直径方面差异不显著。结论:左回旋支心肌桥罕见,肌桥类型以浅表型多见且跨度较长,好发于回旋支远段,较少合并冠状动脉粥样硬化。