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Coronary artery fistula - Overview

Definition of Coronary artery fistula:

Coronary artery fistula is an abnormal connection between one of the coronary arteries and a heart chamber or another blood vessel. The coronary arteries are blood vessels that bring oxygen-rich blood to the heart.

Fistula means abnormal connection.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

A coronary artery fistula is often congenital, meaning that it is present at birth. It generally occurs when one of the coronary arteries fails to form properly, usually when the baby is developing in the womb. The coronary artery abnormally attaches to one of the chambers of the heart (the atrium or ventricle) or another blood vessel (for example, the pulmonary artery).

A coronary artery fistula can also develop after birth. It may be caused by:

  • An infection that weakens the wall of the coronary artery and the heart
  • Certain types of heart surgery
  • Injury to the heart

Coronary artery fistula is a rare condition. Infants who are born with it sometimes also have other heart defects.

  • Reviewed last on: 2/5/2010
  • Kurt R. Schumacher, MD, Pediatric Cardiology, University of Michigan Congenital Heart Center, Ann Arbor, MI. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Park MK. Park: Pediatric Cardiology for Practitioners. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby; 2008.

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