Percutaneous embolization of a congenital aortocaval fistula--clinical case.
Congenital aortocaval fistulae are a rare cause of left-to-right shunt. In this clinical case, an 8-year-old child was referred by the family doctor for pediatric cardiology consultation after detection of a chest murmur. Cardiac auscultation revealed a continuous murmur, best heard on the left sternal edge and back. During the study, cardiac angiography showed a large collateral vessel in the middle third of the thoracic aorta with a complex and sinuous route that ended at the superior vena cava. Percutaneous embolization was performed using a coil. Due to the large size of the collateral a total of three coils were necessary for complete occlusion. No complications were recorded and six-month follow-up confirmed absence of shunt. Compared to the surgical option, this procedure is less invasive and apparently with less risk to the patient.
Antunes
Alexandre
A
Serviço de Cardiologia Pediátrica/Cardiologia, Hospitais da Universidade de Coimbra, Coimbra. alexandre.antunes@portugalmail.com
Marinho
António
A
Rodrigues
Dina
D
Sá e Melo
António
A
Oliveira
Luís
L
Providência
Luís A
LA
D000293:Adolescent; D001018:Aortic Diseases / Q000151:congenital / Q000628:therapy*; D001164:Arteriovenous Fistula / Q000151:congenital / Q000628:therapy*; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D014683:Vena Cava, Superior