Giant right coronary artery aneurysm with vena cava superior fistula: a case report and radiological findings

Background Giant coronary artery aneurysms (GCAA) are a rare disease entity with an estimated incidence of 0.02%. Atherosclerosis is the most common underlying factor in adulthood. Management guidelines lack the support of large-scale studies. Case presentation We present a case of a 58-year-old Caucasian male with complaints of stable dyspnea who was found to have a GCAA of the right coronary artery (RCA). Further evaluation revealed an aneurysm of 5.0 cm in diameter with a tortuous course, fistulation to the distal vena cava superior, and mass effect on the left atrium. Surgical deroofing and ligation of the aneurysm with venous bypassing of the right coronary artery were performed. There were no postoperative complications. Cardiac function had improved at 1-month follow-up and remained improved at 1-year follow-up. Conclusions Diagnosis and treatment strategy concerning GCAA remain challenging. Surgical treatment is advised in cases of giant aneurysms, multivessel disease, left main coronary artery (LMCA) involvement, mechanical complications (fistula, compression, or rupture), and concomitant valve surgery. Coronary angiography remains the gold standard for evaluation. However, coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) can add an important value for the clinician to assess myocardial viability and planning of surgical intervention.