Transesophageal echocardiography on the presurgical and postsurgical evaluation of a coronary arteriovenous fistula.
A 52-year-old man with a symptomatic condition-a huge left coronary artery fistula simulating a cor triatriatum sinister on transthoracic echocardiography-was referred to our center for surgery. Coronary angiography unequivocally established the diagnosis of a left coronary artery fistula and contrast opacification of the right atrium was observed. However, as a result of the size of the fistula, the entry site could not be defined with certainty. A transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) was then performed, and the opening site was clearly identified in the postero-lateral wall of the right atrium. After the surgical treatment transesophageal echocardiography was repeated, and it was confirmed that the surgical treatment had succeeded.
Almeida
J
J
Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Oporto University Hospital, Porto, Portugal.
Lobo
A
A
Casanova
J
J
Torres
J P
JP
Gomes
M R
MR
D001164:Arteriovenous Fistula / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D003330:Coronary Vessel Anomalies / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D017548:Echocardiography, Transesophageal; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged