Non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and complex coronary artery fistula in a fit 57-year-old man and its management

Abstract

A fit 57-year-old man presented with exertional chest pain to the emergency department and was found to have anterolateral T wave inversion on ECG and blood troponin of 1290. Coronary angiography showed a severe proximal to mid-course lesion in mid left anterior descending (LAD) artery, severe ostial disease in obtuse marginal 1 (OM1) and large coronary artery fistula between proximal LAD and main pulmonary artery (PA). Subsequent cardiac CT multiple gated acquisition scan showed a coronary artery to main PA fistula, fed by small branches of the LAD and right coronary artery (RCA). Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) showed preserved left ventricle systolic function, ejection fraction 62% and small left to right shunt. Following multidisciplinary team (MDT) discussion, the patient was offered coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and fistula ligation as first option, but percutaneous intervention (PCI) to the LAD would also be feasible. After lengthy discussions the patient declined CABG and opted for PCI and stent insertion.