ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to describe the demographic, clinical and anatomic
characteristics of coronary arteriovenous fistulas in adult patients who
underwent open cardiac surgery and to review surgical management and
outcomes.MethodsTwenty-one adult patients (12 female, 9 male; mean age: 56.1±7.9
years) who underwent surgical treatment for coronary arteriovenous fistulas
were retrospectively included in this study. Coronary angiography, chest
X-ray, electrocardiography and transthoracic echocardiography were
preoperatively performed in all patients. Demographic and clinical data were
also collected. Postoperative courses of all patients were monitored and
postoperative complications were noted.ResultsA total of 25 coronary arteriovenous fistulas were detected in 21 patients;
the fistulas originated mainly from left anterior descending artery (n=9,
42.8%). Four (19.4%) patients had bilateral fistulas originating from both
left anterior descending and right coronary artery. The main drainage site
of coronary arteriovenous fistulas was the pulmonary artery (n=18, 85.7%).
Twelve (57.1%) patients had isolated coronary arteriovenous fistulas and 4
(19.4%), concomitant coronary artery disease. Twenty (95.3%) of all patients
were symptomatic. Seventeen patients were operated on with and 4 without
cardiopulmonary bypass. There was no mortality. Three patients had
postoperative atrial fibrillation. One patient had pericardial effusion
causing cardiac tamponade who underwent reoperation.ConclusionThe decision of surgical management should be made on the size and the
anatomical location of coronary arteriovenous fistulas and concomitant
cardiac comorbidities. Surgical closure with ligation of coronary
arteriovenous fistulas can be performed easily with on-pump or off-pump
coronary artery bypass grafting, even in asymptomatic patients to prevent
fistula related complications with very low risk of mortality and
morbidity.