Open AccessImaging of Coronary Artery Fistulas by Multidetector Computed Tomography: Is Multidetector Computed Tomography Sensitive?
Author(s) -
Kacmaz Fehmi,
Isiksalan Ozbulbul Nilgun,
Alyan Omer,
Maden Orhan,
Demir Ahmet Duran,
Atak Ramazan,
Senen Kubilay,
Erbay Ali Riza,
Balbay Yucel,
Olcer Tulay,
Ilkay Erdogan
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
clinical cardiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.263
H-Index - 72
eISSN - 1932-8737
pISSN - 0160-9289
DOI - 10.1002/clc.20286
Subject(s) - medicine , multidetector computed tomography , radiology , coronary arteries , artery , gold standard (test) , angiography , stenosis , fistula , coronary angiography , computed tomography angiography , tomography , computed tomography , myocardial infarction
Background Coronary angiography is the gold standard for diagnosing coronary artery fistulas (CAFs). Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) is a recently developed imaging technique for detecting coronary artery stenosis, coronary artery anomalies, and coronary artery fistulas and their courses. Objective We aimed to determine accuracy or sensitivity of MDCT in patients having CAF. Method We evaluated 13 patients with 15 CAFs detected earlier by coronary angiography. MDCT was carried out on all patients and the results were compared with coronary angiography, following which, sensitivity of MDCT was detected. Results Eleven of 15 CAFs were shown on MDCT and the overall sensitivity of MDCT was found to be 73%. Seven of 8 CAFs that coursed between two vascular structures were detected and the sensitivity of MDCT in this group was found to be 87%. However, the sensitivity of 58% of MDCT in patients with fistula coursing between coronary arteries and cardiac chambers was found. Conclusion Although coronary angiography is the gold standard diagnostic test for detection of CAF, MDCT may be an alternative test, especially, for CAF coursing between vascular structures, to detect origin, course, and the drainage site of fistula through its excellent spatial resolution and ability to show relationship of anatomic structures. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.