A coronary artery aneurysm is a dilation exceeding 1.5 times the diameter of the patient's largest coronary vessel. They are rare, varying in prevalence between 1.4 and 4.9%. Additionally, they carry a high risk of potential complications, including thrombosis and myocardial infarction, with a risk of rupture. We present an interesting case of a patient with initial imaging suggesting a mass in the right ventricle.

This patient initially presented with acute hypoxic respiratory failure related to pulmonary oedema. His course was complicated by symptomatic ventricular tachycardia and an inferoposterior myocardial infarction. Further investigation revealed a left anterior descending artery and circumflex artery thrombosed aneurysm projecting into the right ventricle. Multimodal imaging was used to arrive at his diagnosis. He continues to do well on medical therapy for coronary artery disease and heart failure.

Clinicians should be vigilant for this rare pathology, which may be easily missed yet poses a high mortality risk. Our case demonstrates the benefit of multimodal imaging, as this patient's aneurysm was initially mistaken for a ventricular mass.

Coronary artery aneurysms (CAAs) are rare anatomical disorders of the coronary arteries. Atherosclerosis and Kawasaki disease are the principal causes of CCAs, while other causes including genetic factors, inflammatory arterial diseases, connective tissue disorders, endothelial damage after cocaine use, iatrogenic complications after interventions and infections, are also common among patients with CAAs. Although there is a variety of noninvasive methods including echocardiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, coronary angiography remains the gold standard diagnostic method. There is still no consensus about the most appropriate therapeutic strategy. Medical therapy including antiplatelets, anticoagulants, statins and ACEs are preferred either in patients with atherosclerosis, inflammatory status and stable CAAs, while percutaneous or surgery interventions are usually applied in patients with acute coronary syndrome due to a CAA culprit, obstructive coronary artery disease or large saccular aneurysms at a high risk of rupturing.

Coronary artery aneurysm (CAA) is a clinical entity defined by a focal enlargement of the coronary artery exceeding the 1.5-fold diameter of the adjacent normal segment. Atherosclerosis is the main cause in adults and Kawasaki disease in children. CAA is a silent progressive disorder incidentally detected by coronary angiography, but it may end with fatal complications such as rupture, compression of adjacent cardiopulmonary structures, thrombus formation and distal embolization. The pathophysiological mechanisms are not well understood. Atherosclerosis, proteolytic imbalance and inflammatory reaction are involved in aneurysmal formation. Data from previously published studies are scarce and controversial, thereby the management of CAA is individualized depending on clinical presentation, CAA characteristics, patient profile and physician experience. Multiple therapeutic approaches including medical treatment, covered stent angioplasty, coil insertion and surgery were described. Herein, we provide an up-to-date systematic review on the pathophysiology, complications and management of CAA.

In 2002, a 37-year-old male with Marfan syndrome underwent the Bentall operation, total arch replacement, and aortobifemoral bypass for DeBakey type IIIb chronic aortic dissection, annuloaortic ectasia, and aortic regurgitation. In 2007, mild mitral regurgitation (MR) caused by mitral valve prolapse was identified. In April 2017, echocardiography revealed the worsening of MR and moderate tricuspid regurgitation (TR). Moreover, coronary angiography (CAG) revealed a coronary artery aneurysm in the left main trunk (LMT). In August 2017, the patient underwent mitral valve replacement (MVR), tricuspid annuloplasty (TAP), and coronary artery reconstruction. We reconstructed the LMT aneurysm using an artificial graft. True aneurysm of the coronary artery complicated with Marfan syndrome is a rare complication that has seldom been reported. This case highlights that it is essential to carefully follow-up patients with Marfan syndrome after the Bentall operation.

Coronary artery aneurysm is a rare congenital or vascular inflammation-based anomaly for which the clinical course and optimal timing of treatment remain unclear. Here, we report a case of sudden death caused by a giant coronary artery aneurysm of the left anterior descending artery that presented with chest pain. This case suggests that urgent interventional or surgical repair is needed when a large coronary aneurysm presents with acute ischemic symptoms.

Hyper-IgE syndrome (HIES) is a rare primary immunodeficiency caused by autosomal dominant STAT3 mutations resulting in recurrent infections and connective tissue abnormalities. Coronary artery abnormalities have been reported infrequently. We aimed to determine the frequency and characteristics of coronary artery abnormalities.

STAT3-mutated HIES patients (n=38), ranging in age from 8 to 57 years, underwent coronary artery imaging by computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Images were evaluated for tortuosity, dilation, and aneurysm. Charts were reviewed for cardiac risk factors. To allow blinded image interpretation, an age- and gender-matched non-HIES group was also evaluated (n=33).

Coronary artery tortuosity or dilation occurred in 70% of HIES patients, with aneurysms present in 37%, incidences much higher than in the literature and in our non-HIES group, in which 21% had tortuosity or dilation and 3% had aneurysms. Hypertension was more common in the HIES group than in the general population and was associated with vessel abnormalities. Atherosclerosis was uncommon and mild.

Coronary artery aneurysms and tortuosity are common in HIES, despite a paucity of atherosclerosis, suggesting that STAT3 plays an integral role in human vascular remodeling and atherosclerosis.

Left main (LM) coronary artery aneurysm is rare and usually found incidentally during coronary angiography. Except for rare Kawasaki disease, iatrogenic and mycotic aneurysms, atherosclerosis is the primary cause of coronary aneurysm. In most clinical scenarios, coronary artery disease is accompanied with LM coronary aneurysm. Although coronary artery aneurysm does not confer added risk in patients with coexisting obstructive coronary artery disease, LM coronary aneurysm itself remains a significant clinical concern. Thrombosis and distal embolization are the most likely reasons to cause morbidities. Aggressive surgical treatment should be considered. Here, we report a 65-year-old man presenting with effort angina. LM coronary aneurysm was noted in coronary angiogram and images including computed tomography, transesophageal echocardiography and operative photography were presented.

A 44-year-old female presented with acute inferior myocardial infarction. Emergency coronary angiography showed an aneurysm of the proximal right coronary artery and an occlusion of the vessel downstream due to a huge organized thrombus. Mechanical fragmentation, glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonist, and intracoronary thrombolysis were all tested without success. Finally, the aneurysm was covered with a standard bare metal stent in order to trap the thrombus between the stent and the vessel wall and at least partially in the aneurysm. The strategy was successful, and after 1 week, the blood flow in the right coronary artery was normal; however, the aneurysm remained. After 6 months, there was significant in-stent restenosis of the proximal and mid segments of the right coronary artery but no evidence of the aneurysm. The restenosis was treated with two drug-eluting stents, leading to an excellent result after a further 6 months. The patient was free of symptoms and the left ventricular ejection fraction was within the normal range.

Hyper IgE recurrent infection syndrome (HIES, or Job's syndrome) is a primary immunodeficiency characterized by recurrent skin and lung infections, eczema, elevated serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels, and various connective tissue and skeletal system abnormalities including characteristic facies, scoliosis, joint hyperextensibility, retained primary dentition, craniosynostosis, osteopenia, and pathologic fractures. We have identified two patients with aneurysmal coronary artery disease. One was a forty-three-year-old man with HIES and coronary artery aneurysms and ectasia identified on cardiac catheterization following myocardial infarction. The other was a 48-year-old man with coronary artery ectasia-aneurysm identified after cardiac catheterization for evaluation of chest pain. Although connective tissue abnormalities are common in HIES, this is the first report of coronary artery aneurysms in HIES. Further studies are necessary to determine the incidence, pathogenesis, and optimal therapy of these arterial abnormalities in HIES.

Coronary artery aneurysm is an unusual finding at coronary arteriography. We present a case of acute myocardial infarction and a giant aneurysm of the left circumflex coronary artery (CX) in a 70-year-old male with hypertension. The culprit lesion was a thrombus occupying the aneurysm and the distal CX. By an unconventional manoeuvre the thrombus was aspirated via the 7 French guiding catheter. After stent implantation in the distal CX a thrombolysis in myocardial infarction 3 flow was achieved and still present at 2-month follow-up. The patient was prescribed aspirin and clopidogrel as a life-long therapy.

Cocaine abuse has been implicated in multiple cardiovascular complications. Coronary artery aneurysms (CAAs) and ectasia occur in 0.2% to 5.3% of patients referred for angiography and are associated with atherosclerosis, Kawasaki's disease, and several rare disorders. After observing CAAs in multiple young cocaine users, we investigated the prevalence of CAAs among cocaine users undergoing coronary angiography.

Clinical and angiographic characteristics of 112 consecutive patients with a history of cocaine use and coronary angiography were compared with a control group of similar age and risk factors from an existing angiographic database over the same time period. Coronary angiograms were independently read by 3 reviewers blinded to cocaine use. Cocaine users were young (mean age, 44 years), predominantly male (80%), and cigarette smokers (95%). Control patients had higher rates of diabetes (33%) and more severe coronary artery disease (P=0.01). Previous myocardial infarction was common in both groups (45% of cocaine users, 38% of control patients). Despite the frequent history of myocardial infarction among cocaine users, 48% had nonobstructive coronary artery disease. Among cocaine users, 34 of 112 (30.4%) had CAAs compared with 6 of 79 (7.6%) in the control group (P<0.001). Cocaine use was a strong predictor of CAA by univariate and multivariate analyses.

This is the first description of an association between cocaine use and CAA. The prevalence of CAA among cocaine users was higher than expected (30.4%), given such a young cohort. Cocaine use may predispose to the formation of CAA, which may in turn be a contributing factor to myocardial infarction.

A 45-year-old female with Marfan syndrome had a Bentall's procedure performed 19 years ago. She presented with a 4-year history of gradually worsening dyspnea and decreasing exercise tolerance. Investigations revealed severe mitral valve prolapse, a left main stem coronary artery (LMSCA) aneurysm, and a recurrent aneurysm of the ascending aorta. The mitral valve was replaced and the aortic aneurysmal sac and the LMSCA aneurysm were then repaired by a modified Bentall procedure. The patient made an uneventful recovery and was discharged home.

Left main coronary aneurysm is a very rare disorder. Aneurysm may be single or multiple, saccular or fusiform. Atherosclerosis, mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, trauma, angioplasty, atheroctomy, laser procedures, systemic lupus erythematosus, periarteritis nodosa or types of arteritis, dissection, syphilis, mycotic emboli may lead to coronary aneurysms. The main complications of coronary aneurysms are: thrombosis, distal embolisation, rupture and calcification. Operative therapy should be necessary for large left main coronary aneurysms because of their predisposition to thrombosis and embolism. The coexisting significant obstructive CAD may be important in making a decision for the operative treatment in patients with the left main coronary aneurysm. The proper type of operation is not clear.

Left main coronary artery aneurysms are very infrequent (0.1%) and the majority are related to atherosclerotic obstructive lesions. Only a few isolated cases without associated coronary lesions have been reported until now. The management of these patients is not well established, thus both conservative and surgical treatments have been postulated. We present a case of giant left main coronary artery aneurysm with a diameter of 27.7 x 18.6 mm (the biggest reported until now) without coronary tree associated stenosis. It was treated conservatively with oral anticoagulation only and the 5 years evolution has been favourable.

This is a case report of a 52-year-old man who presented with an acute myocardial infarction. In the process of performing an angiogram to delineate the anatomy for possible percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, large, diffuse coronary aneurysms were observed. When the vessel was opened, several aneurysms were seen to contain thrombus. The size, location, and diffuseness of the aneurysms are suggestive of Kawasaki disease.

Coronary artery aneurysm (CAA) is a rare disorder, characterized by an abnormal dilatation of a localized portion of the coronary artery. It is usually diagnosed incidentally by coronary angiography. Over 50% of coronary artery aneurysms are of atherosclerotic origin. The natural history of coronary aneurysms is not well understood. Their presence is not always considered to be an operative indication; rather, the severity of the associated coronary artery disease (CAD) is what dictates a surgical approach. In the absence of obstructive CAD, the definitive treatment for this condition is unclear. The authors present the case of an isolated saccular left main coronary aneurysm with no associated flow-limiting CAD. The patient was treated medically with antiplatelet and anticoagulant medication with no adverse events at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months of follow-up.

A case is described in which a myocardial infarction in a young woman was associated with a congenital aneurysm of the left coronary artery. Coronary angiography had shown displacement and almost total occlusion of the left circumflex artery. MRI demonstrated that this was owing to an aneurysm of the left circumflex coronary artery.

Coronary artery aneurysm is a rare disorder, characterized by abnormal dilatation of a localized portion or diffuse segments of the coronary artery. We studied clinical demographics, catheterization findings, and clinical outcomes in an Asian patient cohort with documented coronary artery aneurysms. Compared to a Caucasian adult population, our patient cohort had a lower incidence of coronary artery aneurysm (0.25% vs. 2.6%), and more patients with nonobstructive coronary artery aneurysms (70%); age, gender, and coronary distribution were comparable. The initial presentation of myocardial infarction occurred in five patients (5/17, 30%) with nonobstructive coronary artery aneurysms; however, none who were receiving preventive medications consisting of anticoagulant and antiplatelet agents subsequently developed myocardial infarction. We conclude that the incidence of coronary artery aneurysms with or without associated significant coronary stenosis seems to be lower in the Asian population. In contrast, the incidence of nonobstructive coronary artery aneurysms is considerably high and should not be thought of as a relatively benign disease entity if not treated with preventive medications. Rheumatoid arthritis-related vasculitis might be a cause of coronary artery aneurysm. Surgical intervention is based on the severity of coronary artery stenosis. The result of medical treatment has been compatible with long-term survival. Cathet. Cardiovasc. Intervent. 48:31-38, 1999.

Coronary stenting has begun to play an increasingly important role in the management of coronary artery aneurysms. A case of successful and complete sealing of a coronary aneurysm by using a new stent graft is described. Further studies in a large patient population are required to confirm the safety and efficacy of this method. Cathet. Cardiovasc. Intervent. 48:96-99, 1999.

We describe the occurrence of a localized saccular pseudoaneurysm in a 69-year-old patient 2 weeks after perforation of the left anterior descending coronary artery during balloon angioplasty in acute myocardial infarction. The therapy of perforations requires prolonged balloon inflations, perfusion balloons, covered stents, or surgery. Coronary peudoaneurysm formations are rare; their therapy requires covered stents or surgery. Cathet. Cardiovasc. Intervent. 47:341-346, 1999.

One month after a successful angioplasty, one of our patients developed a new aneurysm in the right coronary artery (RCA). The aneurysm was characterized as a pseudoaneurysm by the use of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). A stenosis that was not well seen by angiography was better depicted by IVUS. Both the pseudoaneurysm and the stenosis were successfully treated with a second angioplasty and stenting with a covered stent. Delayed development of pseudoaneurysms after dissection is an uncommon, but possible complication after angioplasty. In this case IVUS was useful for accurate characterization of the aneurysm. The use of covered stents may become a clinically useful method for treating coronary pseudoaneurysms.

This is the first reported use of the JOSTENT stent graft for aneurysm disease in native coronaries. Consideration can be given to using this polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-covered stent in situations such as dissections and restenosis in saphenous vein grafts or in long native coronary arteries without side branches, though further investigation is warranted.

Spontaneous rupture of coronary arteries as well as coronary perforation during percutaneous interventions are rare but potentially life-threatening incidents often resulting in emergency surgery. Frequency of acute perforation due to therapeutic catheterization varies according to the devices employed. With conventional balloon angioplasty it is estimated to be 0.1 to 0.2% whereas substantially higher rates of up to 3% have been reported with the use of so-called "new devices" (i.e. directional atherectomy, rotablation, excimer laser angioplasty or extractional atherectomy). Interventional strategies for nonsurgical treatment of acute coronary perforations during catheterization procedures have been developed. In recent times, availability of coronary stent-grafts allows for a percutaneous resolution of acute perforations while maintaining vessel patency. Whereas iatrogenic perforations in the catheterization laboratory may thus be treated immediately at the site of their occurrence, rupture of pre-existing but potentially unknown coronary pathology frequently is associated with a diagnostic interval, giving rise to serious clinical events (i.e. myocardial infarction, cardiac tamponade, malign arrhythmias or sudden death). It may be warranted to advocate prophylactic treatment of rupture-prone coronary conditions even on incidental diagnosis. This can either be performed by cardiothoracic surgery or, in suitable cases, by interventional therapy. Implantation of coronary stent-grafts could prove to become the therapy of choice due to its technical facility, safety and the short length of hospital stay associated with it. Before general recommendations can be made, however, as to the extension of indication for these novel coronary devices, further clinical studies encompassing long-term clinical and angiographic follow-up are needed.

Coronary artery aneurysms due to atherosclerosis are increasingly recognised during angiography yet the natural history of these abnormalities has not yet been defined. Only rarely has massive dilatation been observed, usually presenting following death. We report a case of sudden death due to rupture of a massive right coronary artery aneurysm measuring 10 x 5 cm. Diagnosis was made at post-mortem.

Aneurysms of the coronary arteries occur in 1.5-4.9% of coronary angiograms. Only a few cases of a giant aneurysm of the left main coronary artery in conjunction with severe atherosclerotic coronary disease have been reported. This report details the exceptional case of a 72-year-old patient with a giant "true saccular" aneurysm branched on the left main coronary artery. The development of an aneurysmal dilatation in conjunction with progression of coronary arteriosclerosis, observed from two different angiographic studies at an interval of 25 years, is very illustrative for evolutive atherosclerotic heart disease. This finding may support the hypothesis that atherosclerosis may be the common etiology for coronary aneurysmal dilatation.

This case report describes the intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) evaluation of a coronary artery aneurysm, developed in a stented segment within 6 mo after bailout stenting. Analysis of the IVUS images provides in vivo insights in the vessel-remodeling process after mechanical injury. The proximal entrance of the false lumen could be clearly visualized as well as the relationship between the stent struts, neolumen, and vessel wall. The discussion is focused on the options for management of such patients.

Coronary artery aneurysm is defined as coronary dilatation which exceeds the diameter of normal adjacent segments or the diameter of the patient's largest coronary vessel by 1.5 times. This is an uncommon disease which has been diagnosed with increasing frequency since the advent of coronary angiography. The incidence varies from 1.5% to 5% with male dominance and a predilection for the right coronary artery. Atherosclerosis accounts for 50% of coronary aneurysms in adults. Reported complications include thrombosis and distal embolization, rupture and vasospasm. The natural history and prognosis remains obscure. Controversies persist regarding the use of surgical or medical management. The authors recommend surgery based on the severity of associated coronary stenosis rather than the mere presence of aneurysm. Medical therapy is indicated for the majority of patients and consists of antiplatelet and anticoagulant medication.

A fusiform aneurysm of the left main coronary artery without associated obstructive disease was detected in a 77-year-old patient with severe unstable angina treated with systemic thrombolysis. The authors emphasize the following features: (1) unusual location of the aneurysm, (2) absence of concomitant obstruction in this age group, and (3) clinical efficacy of thrombolysis and subsequent long-term oral anticoagulation.