Fístula da artéria descendente anterior para artéria pulmonar / Left anterior descending artery fistula to pulmonary artery

As anomalias congênitas e, dentre elas, as variações anatômicas das artérias coronarianas, embora pouco frequentes, são cada vez mais estudadas e diagnosticadas devido à estreita relação de sintomas, tais quais angina, dispneia, síncope ou arritmias em pessoas jovens sem comorbidades. Este trabalho teve como objetivo principal apresentar o estudo de caso de um paciente com sintomas isquêmicos secundários à malformação de uma artéria coronariana. Descrevem-se o momento da admissão do paciente, o diagnóstico mediante exames complementares e a resolução terapêutica do caso. As fístulas coronarianas, apesar de terem uma baixa incidência entre as cardiopatias congênitas, tornaram-se cada vez mais frequentes, sendo melhor caraterizadas devido aos novos métodos diagnósticos.

Congenital anomalies and within them anatomical variations of coronary arteries, although uncommon, are being increasingly studied and diagnosed due to the close relationship of symptoms such as angina, dyspnea, syncope or arrhythmias in young people without comorbidities. This study aimed to present the case report of a patient with ischemic symptoms secondary to malformation of a coronary artery. We describe the moment of patient admission, diagnosis by complementary tests and therapeutic resolution of the case. Coronary fistulas, despite having a low incidence among congenital heart diseases, have become increasingly frequent, being better characteristic due to new diagnostic methods.

Fístula da Artéria Coronária: Associação entre Padrões de Trajetos, Características Clínicas e Cardiopatias Congênitas / Coronary Artery Fistula: Association between Pathway Patterns, Clinical Features and Congenital Heart Disease

Resumo Fundamento A fístula da artéria coronária (FAC) é uma conexão direta entre uma ou mais artérias coronárias e câmaras cardíacas ou um grande vaso; pode estar associada à cardiopatia congênita. Objetivo Estabelecer os padrões de trajetos de FAC a partir de dados ecocardiográficos e correlacioná-los com aspectos clínicos e cardiopatias congênitas. Métodos Um total de 7.183 prontuários médicos de crianças menores de 5 anos de idade com cardiopatia submetidas a ecodopplercardiograma colorido foram analisados utilizando o teste de correlação de Spearman para associar sinais, sintomas e cardiopatia à FAC, com nível de significância de 5%. Resultados Vinte e seis crianças (0,0036%) apresentaram FAC, nos seguintes trajetos: da artéria coronária direita para o ventrículo direito (26,92%), da artéria coronária esquerda para o ventrículo direito (23,08%), do ramo interventricular anterior para o ventrículo direito (23,08%), da artéria coronária direita para o átrio direito (11,54%), da artéria coronária esquerda para o tronco pulmonar (7,69%) e do ramo interventricular anterior para o tronco pulmonar (7,69%). Em 57,69% dos pacientes, houve uma correlação positiva entre sintomas e a FAC (p = 0,445), relacionada à dispneia ou cianose (53,84%). Em 96,15%, a cardiopatia congênita estava associada à FAC; principalmente, a comunicação interventricular e a comunicação interatrial, em 34,62% dos casos, correlacionaram-se positivamente com a FAC (p = 0,295). O trajeto da FAC foi representado em três dimensões pelo software de modelagem, texturização e animação Cinema 4D R19. Conclusão A FAC é uma entidade anatômica incomum que apresenta quadro clínico compatível com dispneia e cianose e está associada a cardiopatias congênitas, principalmente com a CIV ou a CIA. De acordo com as análises ecocardiográficas, as fístulas na ACD, na ACE ou no RIVA representam aproximadamente um terço dos pacientes, com trajeto prioritário para as câmaras cardíacas direitas.

Abstract Background Coronary artery fistula (CAF) is a direct connection of one or more coronary arteries to cardiac chambers or a large vessel; it may be associated with congenital heart disease. Objective To establish CAF pathway patterns from echocardiographic data and to correlate them with clinical aspects and congenital heart disease. Methods A total of 7.183 medical records of children under the age of five years with cardiac disease submitted to color Doppler echocardiography and Spearman's Correlation test were used to associate signs and symptoms and cardiopathy to CAF with a significance level of 5%. Results Twenty six children (0.0036%) presented CAF: from the right coronary artery (RCA) to the right ventricle (RV) 26.92%, from the left coronary artery (LCA) to the RV 23.08%, from the anterior interventricular branch (AIVB) to RV 23.08%, RCA to right atrium (RA) 11.54%, LCA for pulmonary trunk (PT) 7.69% or AIVB for PT 7.69%. In 57.69% of the patients, there was a positively correlated symptomatology to CAF with p=0.445 related to dyspnea or cyanosis (53.84%); in 96.15%, congenital heart disease associated with CAF, mainly interventricular communication (IVC) or interatrial communication (IAC) in 34.62% positively correlated to CAF with p=0.295. CAF pathway was represented in three dimensions by software modeling, texturing and animation Cinema 4D R19. Conclusion CAF is an uncommon anatomical entity that presents a clinical picture compatible with dyspnea and cyanosis, and this is associated with congenital heart disease, mainly with IVC or IAC. According to echocardiographic analyzes, fistulas in RCA, LCA, or AIVB represent about one-third of the patients, with a priority pathway for right heart chambers.

Fístulas da Artéria Coronária / Coronary Artery Fistulae

Resumo A fístula da artéria coronária é uma anormalidade anatômica rara das artérias coronárias que afeta 0,002% da população geral e representa 14% de todas as anomalias das artérias coronárias. A sua relevância clínica concentra-se principalmente no mecanismo do fenômeno do roubo coronário, que causa isquemia funcional do miocárdio, mesmo na ausência de estenose; portanto, angina e dispneia aos esforços são sintomas comuns. A abordagem diagnóstica sugerida é orientada pelos sintomas dos pacientes e consiste em uma série de exames instrumentais, como ECG, teste de esteira, ecocardiografia, tomografia computadorizada, ressonância magnética cardíaca e angiografia coronária. Nos casos onde não é um achado acidental, a angiografia coronária é necessária para o planejamento terapêutico otimizado. As pequenas fístulas geralmente são assintomáticas e o prognóstico é excelente se forem tratadas medicamente com acompanhamento clínico e ecocardiografia no período de 2 a 5 anos. As fístulas grandes/gigantes e sintomáticas, ao contrário, devem ser submetidas a fechamento invasivo, por via transcateter ou ligadura cirúrgica, cujos resultados são equivalentes no acompanhamento de longo prazo. A profilaxia antibiótica para a prevenção da endocardite bacteriana é recomendada para todos os pacientes com fístulas da artéria coronária submetidos a procedimentos dentários, gastrointestinais ou urológicos. O acompanhamento ao longo da vida é sempre essencial para garantir que o paciente não sofra progressão da doença ou outras complicações cardíacas.

Abstract Coronary artery fistula is a rare anatomic abnormality of the coronary arteries that affects 0.002% of the general population and represents 14% of all anomalies of coronary arteries. Its clinical relevance focuses mainly on the mechanism of the coronary steal phenomenon, causing myocardial functional ischemia, even in the absence of stenosis; therefore, angina and effort dyspnea are common symptoms. The suggested diagnostic approach is driven by patients' symptoms, and it consists of a number of instrumental examinations like ECG, treadmill test, echocardiography, computed tomography scan, cardiac magnetic resonance, and coronary angiography. If it is not an incidental finding, coronary angiography is required in view of optimal therapeutic planning. Small fistulae are usually asymptomatic, and prognosis is excellent if they are managed medically with clinical follow-up and echocardiography every 2 to 5 years. Large/giant, symptomatic fistulae, on the contrary, should undergo invasive closure, via either transcatheter approach or surgical ligation, whose results are equivalent at long-term follow-up. Antibiotic prophylaxis for prevention of bacterial endocarditis is recommended in all patients with coronary artery fistulae who undergo dental, gastrointestinal, or urological procedures. Life-long follow-up is always essential to ensure that the patient does not undergo progression of the disease or further cardiac complications.

A Rare Cause of Angina After Coronary Bypass Grafting; Left İnternal Mammary Artery to Pulmonary Artery Fistula and Successful Treatment with Transcatheter Coil Embolization / Uma Causa Rara de Angina Após Revascularização do Miocárdio: Fístula da Artéria Mamária Interna Esquerda para Artéria Pulmonar e Tratamento Bem-Sucedido com Embolização Transcateter com Molas

Abstract Fistula from left internal mammary artery (LIMA) to pulmonary artery (PA) is rarely encountered in daily practice. In recent years, endovascular therapy options have emerged for the treatment of fistula formations and replaced with surgery. A 53-year-old man admitted to our outpatient clinic with symptoms of typical angina and shortness of breath despite optimal medical therapy. In his relevant history, he had a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) operation in 2009 in which his LIMA was anastomosed to left anterior descending (LAD) and ramus artery sequentially. Coronary angiography including selective imaging of LIMA demonstrated a fistula formation originating from the proximal portion of the LIMA and draining to PA. After successful closure of fistula with transcatheter coil embolization, the patient was discharged without any complication and symptom. In conclusion, although LIMA to PA fistula is an infrequent clinical condition, it should be considered as a potential cause of persistent angina after CABG operation. Treatment options include conservative medical therapy, surgical ligation and endovascular interventions. The best therapy should be individualised for each patient in respect to patient's symptoms, surgical compatibility and anatomy of fistula.

Resumo A fístula da artéria mamária interna esquerda (AMIE) para a artéria pulmonar (AP) é raramente encontrada na prática diária. Nos últimos anos, opções de terapia endovascular surgiram para o tratamento de formações de fístula e foram substituídas por cirurgia. Um homem de 53 anos de idade, internado em nosso ambulatório com sintomas de angina típica e falta de ar, apesar da terapia clínica ideal. Em seu histórico relevante, ele teve uma cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica (CRM) em 2009, na qual sua AMIE foi anastomosada à descendente anterior esquerda (DAE) e à artéria ramus sequencialmente. A angiografia coronária, incluindo imagens seletivas da AMIE, demonstrou uma formação de fístula proveniente da porção proximal da AMIE e drenando para AP. Após o fechamento bem-sucedido da fístula com embolização transcateter com mola, o paciente recebeu alta sem qualquer complicação e sintoma. Em conclusão, embora fístula entre AMIE e AP seja uma condição clínica pouco frequente, deve ser considerada como uma causa potencial de angina persistente após a operação de revascularização do miocárdio. As opções de tratamento incluem terapia médica conservadora, ligadura cirúrgica e intervenções endovasculares. A melhor terapia deve ser individualizada para cada paciente em relação aos sintomas do paciente, compatibilidade cirúrgica e anatomia da fístula.

Clinical characteristics of congenital coronary artery fistulas and its coronary angiographic results anal-ysis / 心血管康复医学杂志

Objective:To explore clinical and fistula origin characteristics of congenital coronary artery fistula (CAF).Methods:Clinical and coronary angiographic (CAG)data of 37 congenital CAF patients,who were treated in our hospital from Apr 2011 to Aug 2016 and diagnosed by CAG,were retrospectively analyzed.Chief complaint symptoms were analyzed.According to fistula origin location,patients were divided into left anterior descending (LAD)group (n=23),right coronary artery (RCA)group (n=6),LAD & RCA group (n=2),left circumflex (LCX)group (n=5)and left main (LM)group (n=1).Characteristics of fistula origin and drainage location dis-tribution were analyzed.Results:Among the chief complaints of 37 congenital CAF patients,there were 24 cases (64.9%)of chest tightness and short of breath,six cases (16.2%)of chest pain,five cases (13.5%)of palpitations and two cases (5.4%)of heart murmur in physical examination.Compared with RCA group,LAD & RCA group, LCX group and LM group,there was significant rise in percentage of LAD fistula origin (16.2%,5.4%,13.5%, 2.7% vs.62.2%),P <0.01 all,but there were no significant difference among other groups,P >0.05 all.The 23 cases of LAD fistula origin included 22 cases of pulmonary artery fistulas (PAF)and one case of bronchial artery fis-tulas (BAF);the six cases of RCA fistula origin included three cases of PAF,two cases of right atrial fistulas (RAF) and one case of left ventricular fistulas (LVF);the five cases of LCX fistula origin included two cases of RAF,and one case of PAF,LVF and RVF respectively.Conclusion:Coronary angiography is the gold standard to diagnose congenital CAF.Percentage of congenital CAF originated from left coronary artery is significantly more than that of right coronary artery.

Clinical characteristics of congenital coronary artery fistulas and its coronary angiographic results anal-ysis / 心血管康复医学杂志

Objective:To explore clinical and fistula origin characteristics of congenital coronary artery fistula (CAF).Methods:Clinical and coronary angiographic (CAG)data of 37 congenital CAF patients,who were treated in our hospital from Apr 2011 to Aug 2016 and diagnosed by CAG,were retrospectively analyzed.Chief complaint symptoms were analyzed.According to fistula origin location,patients were divided into left anterior descending (LAD)group (n=23),right coronary artery (RCA)group (n=6),LAD & RCA group (n=2),left circumflex (LCX)group (n=5)and left main (LM)group (n=1).Characteristics of fistula origin and drainage location dis-tribution were analyzed.Results:Among the chief complaints of 37 congenital CAF patients,there were 24 cases (64.9%)of chest tightness and short of breath,six cases (16.2%)of chest pain,five cases (13.5%)of palpitations and two cases (5.4%)of heart murmur in physical examination.Compared with RCA group,LAD & RCA group, LCX group and LM group,there was significant rise in percentage of LAD fistula origin (16.2%,5.4%,13.5%, 2.7% vs.62.2%),P <0.01 all,but there were no significant difference among other groups,P >0.05 all.The 23 cases of LAD fistula origin included 22 cases of pulmonary artery fistulas (PAF)and one case of bronchial artery fis-tulas (BAF);the six cases of RCA fistula origin included three cases of PAF,two cases of right atrial fistulas (RAF) and one case of left ventricular fistulas (LVF);the five cases of LCX fistula origin included two cases of RAF,and one case of PAF,LVF and RVF respectively.Conclusion:Coronary angiography is the gold standard to diagnose congenital CAF.Percentage of congenital CAF originated from left coronary artery is significantly more than that of right coronary artery.

Fetal echocardiography for diagnosis of coronary artery fistula / 中华医学超声杂志（电子版）

ObjectiveTo explore the ultrasound characteristics of coronary artery fistula to improve its prenatal diagnosis.MethodsImaging data for 12 fetuses with coronary artery fistula who underwent fetal echocardiography at our hospital from June 2005 to December 2013 were retrospectively analyzed to summarize the ultrasound characteristics of coronary artery fistula.ResultsOf the 12 fetuses, 7 were confirmed with coronary artery fistula by echocardiography after birth, and the remaining 5 were aborted due to other cardiac abnormalities (since an autopsy was not performed, the diagnosis of coronary artery fistula could not be confirmed). Of the 7 confirmed cases, 1 had left coronary artery-to-right atrium fistula, 3 had left coronary artery-to-right ventricle fistula, and 3 had right coronary artery-to-right ventricle fistula; 1 had left coronary artery-to-right ventricle fistula with muscular ventricular septal defect, and 6 had simple coronary fistula. Two-dimensional ultrasound examination revealed that coronary arteries were displayed in all cases, and the diameter ranged from 1.8 to 4.0 mm. Color Doppler ultrasound clearly showed the fistula size, course and the situation fistulas drained into heart chambers. Diastolic regurgitation signal could be detected in the ascending aorta and aortic arch.ConclusionCoronary artery fistula can be diagnosed by color Doppler ultrasound combined with spectral Doppler ultrasound when the fetal coronary artery expands.

Imaging features of thirteen cases of coronary-to-bronchial artery micro-fistula and the related clinical analyses / 中华放射学杂志

Objective To investigate imaging features and clinical characteristics of the small coronary-bronchial artery fistula (CBF). Methods By retrospective analysis of image data from May 2007 to November 2011 for coronary angiography in 30 284 patients without chronic lung or pulmonary vascular disease patients, 13 cases of small CBF (diameter of the end of fistula near coronary artery< 2 mm) were detected. Incidence of CBF was counted, its morphology was described, and its clinical features were preliminarily analyzed and summarized. Independent sample t test and χ2 test were used to compare diameters and incidences of CBF originatng from left and right coronary arteries. Results In this study primary CBF detection rate was 0.043%(13/30 284). The ends of CBFs near coronary arteries were slender and their diameter average was (1.57 ± 0.75) mm. In this study all of the CBF were from the right coronary artery and left circumflex coronary artery, finding no cases starting from the left anterior descending coronary artery. There was no significant difference between incidence of CBFs originating from the right coronary artery and left circumflex coronary artery coronary and the diameters of CBFs. In 13 cases of CBF, 9 cases of myocardial ischemic symptoms were caused by coronary artery stenosis, which was proven by angiography;Four cases without myocardial ischemic symptoms or with very atypical symptoms were finally diagnosed as cardiac neurosis. After branching, the CBF diameters of these coronary arteries were seen no evindently reduced, which suggested that the coronary bypass had less blood flow, and therefore had no significant hemodynamic significance. Conclusions Congenital CBF can exist in populations without chronic lung or pulmonary vascular disease. The main image features are that their diametes were small and all originate from the right coronary artery and left circumflex coronary artery. The most fundamental clinical features are that there're no symptoms of myocardial ischemia due to coronary artery steal and no obviously hemodynamic significance. It is important to well recognize this type of CBF for enriching radiographic knowledge, identifying various anatomic variations, and carrying out clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Embolization of Multiple Systemic Artery to Pulmonary Artery Fistula with Recurrent Hemoptysis / 결핵및호흡기질환

Herein, we report a case of multiple systemic arteries to pulmonary artery fistulas without any underlying causes, presenting recurrent hemoptysis. Transcatheter embolization was successfully performed several times on multiple systemic feeding arteries. Multiple systemic arteries to pulmonary fistulas can be a source of uncontrolled bleeding, and embolization may be a reasonable therapeutic option to control the bleeding.

Saccular Coronary Artery Aneurysm and Fistula with Organized Thrombi

Saccular coronary artery aneurysm, associated with coronary artery fistula, is a very rare condition. A 48-year-old woman was referred to our hospital for the evaluation of an abnormal shadow on the left cardiac border from a chest X-ray film during regular medical health examination. A huge saccular aneurysm with organized thrombi in the proximal left anterior descending artery (LAD) and coronary artery fistulae from LAD and conus branch of the right coronary artery to pulmonary artery was diagnosed by transthoracic echocardiography, multi-detector computer tomography (MDCT), and coronary angiography. The patient received surgical treatment, including thrombectomy of aneurysm, ligation of the inlet and outlet of aneurysmal sac, coronary artery bypass graft (left internal mammary artery-to-distal LAD), and ligation of fistulae. The postoperative course was uneventful, and postoperative echocardiography and MDCT revealed patent bypass graft; however, a small fistula from proximal LAD across aneurysmal sac to pulmonary artery was observed.

Saccular Coronary Artery Aneurysm and Fistula with Organized Thrombi

Saccular coronary artery aneurysm, associated with coronary artery fistula, is a very rare condition. A 48-year-old woman was referred to our hospital for the evaluation of an abnormal shadow on the left cardiac border from a chest X-ray film during regular medical health examination. A huge saccular aneurysm with organized thrombi in the proximal left anterior descending artery (LAD) and coronary artery fistulae from LAD and conus branch of the right coronary artery to pulmonary artery was diagnosed by transthoracic echocardiography, multi-detector computer tomography (MDCT), and coronary angiography. The patient received surgical treatment, including thrombectomy of aneurysm, ligation of the inlet and outlet of aneurysmal sac, coronary artery bypass graft (left internal mammary artery-to-distal LAD), and ligation of fistulae. The postoperative course was uneventful, and postoperative echocardiography and MDCT revealed patent bypass graft; however, a small fistula from proximal LAD across aneurysmal sac to pulmonary artery was observed.

Fístula coronariana para ventrículo esquerdo: diagnóstico por tomografia computadorizada / Coronary fistula to the left ventricle: assessed by computed tomography / Fístula coronaria para ventrículo izquierdo: diagnóstico por tomografía computarizada

Fístulas de artérias coronárias são raras, sendo diagnosticadas mais frequentemente pelo ecocardiograma ou pela cineangiocoronariografia, entretanto, a angiotomografia computadorizada (angio-TC) das coronárias ganha espaço. Essa patologia apresenta incidência baixíssima, sendo as fístulas originadas da coronária direita mais frequentes. Fístulas coronarianas para câmaras cardíacas direitas são mais incidentes, sendo raras para o ventrículo esquerdo (VE). O tratamento pode ser cirúrgico ou percutâneo. Este relato descreve caso de fístula coronariana para VE diagnosticada pela angio-TC das coronárias em homem de 46 anos, hipertenso, assintomático com teste ergométrico positivo para isquemia. Angio-TC de coronárias descartou doença obstrutiva, porém revelou fístula coronariana conectando-se com cavidade ventricular esquerda.

Coronary artery fistulas are rare and are most often diagnosed by echocardiography or by cine-angiocardiography. However, the computed tomography angiography (CTA) of coronary arteries has been gaining ground. The incidence of this disease is very low, with a more frequent occurrence of fistulas originating in the right coronary artery. There is a higher incidence of coronary artery fistulas to right heart chambers, with coronary artery fistulas to the left ventricle (LV) being rare. Treatment can be surgical or percutaneous. This report describes a case of coronary fistula to left ventricle diagnosed by CT angiography of coronary arteries in a hypertensive and asymptomatic 46-year-old male, who was tested positive for ischemia in an exercise test. The CT angiography ruled out coronary obstructive disease, but it revealed a coronary fistula to the left ventricular cavity.

Fístulas de arterias coronarias son raras, siendo diagnosticadas más frecuentemente por el ecocardiograma o por la cineangiocoronariografía, entre tanto, la angiotomografía computarizada (angio-TC) de las coronarias gana espacio. Esa patología presenta incidencia bajísima, siendo las fístulas originadas de la coronaria derecha más frecuentes. Fístulas coronarias para cámaras cardíacas derechas son más incidentes, siendo raras para el ventrículo izquierdo (VI). El tratamiento puede ser quirúrgico o percutáneo. Este relato describe caso de fístula coronaria para VI diagnosticada por la angio-TC de las coronarias en hombre de 46 años, hipertenso, asintomático con test ergométrico positivo para isquemia. Angio-TC de coronarias descartó enfermedad obstructiva, sin embargo reveló fístula coronaria conectándose con cavidad ventricular izquierda.

Videotoracoscopia para fechamento de fístula coronário-pulmonar: relato de caso / Video-thoracoscopy closure of coronary artery fistula: case report

As fístulas da artéria coronária (FAC) são raras e, muitas vezes, achado ocasional. O tratamento convencional é realizado por fechamento cirúrgico com toracotomia mediana ou por meio de embolização por procedimento hemodinâmico. Descrevemos uma técnica inovadora para ligadura da FAC de forma totalmente endoscópica. Mulher, 45 anos, com fístula sintomática entre artéria coronária descendente anterior e tronco de artéria pulmonar onde se realizou toracoscopia esquerda, pericardiotomia e ligadura do pertuito com clipe metálico. Não houve intercorrência, a paciente permaneceu 24 horas na UTI e teve alta hospitalar no 4º dia. A técnica foi efetiva, permitiu fácil acessibilidade cirúrgica e rápida recuperação pós-operatória.

The coronary artery fistulas (FAC) are rare and often found occasionally. The conventional treatment can be made by surgical closure with median thoracotomy or with embolization by catheterization. We describe an innovative technique to ligature of FAC, on a full endoscopy. Women, 45 years with symptomatic fistula between coronary artery anterior descending and trunk artery pulmonary, which took thoracoscopy left, pericardiotomy and ligation of fistula with metal clip without thoracotomy. There were no complications, stayed 24 hours in the ICU and was in hospital 4 days. The technique was effective, allows easy accessibility surgical and quick post-operative recovery.

Fístula entre artéria coronária interventricular anterior e o tronco arterial pulmonar: tratamento cirúrgico de cinco pacientes / Fistula between anterior intraventricular coronary artery and the pulmonary artery trunk: five operated patients

O presente estudo relata a experiência operatória de pacientes portadores da fístula arterial coronária (FAC) entre a artéria coronária interventricular anterior e o tronco da pulmonar. Foram operados cinco pacientes, o sexo feminino foi mais freqüente, com 60 por cento dos casos, e a idade variou de 40 a 46 anos. O ecocardiograma de stress e a cineangiocoronariografia foram realizados em todos pacientes. No pós-operatório, não houve mortalidade e presença de sintomas. Consideramos que procedimento operatório é a primeira escolha no tratamento da FAC, uma vez que previne as complicações do "shunt" artério-venoso, com segurança e eficácia.

The current study reports on the operative experience of patients with coronary artery fistulas between the anterior intraventricular coronary artery and pulmonary trunk. Of the five patients operated, 60 percent were women and the ages ranged form 40 to 46 years old. Stress echocardiogram and coronary cineangiography were accomplished for all patients. No deaths occurred in the postoperative period nor were symptoms reported. We believe that the surgical procedure is the first choice treatment for coronary artery fistulas, as it safely and effectively prevents the complications of arteriovenous shunts.