Coronary to bronchial artery anastomosis in patients with noncyanotic cardiopulmonary disease: report of seven cases

Can J Cardiol. 1997 Oct;13(10):898-900.

Abstract

An angiographically visible coronary to bronchial artery anastomosis was found in seven (0.12%) of 6045 patients with noncyanotic cardiopulmonary disease who underwent coronary angiography between 1989 and 1995. Aortitis syndrome was associated with four patients, whereas pulmonary embolism, aortic regurgitation and vasospastic angina were the diagnoses in the others. Coronary stenotic lesions were not observed in any patients. In five of six patients who underwent pulmonary perfusion scintigraphy, perfusion defect was observed in the area supplied by the bronchial artery, which had the anastomosis to the coronary artery. In each patient this anastomosis seemed to function as collateral circulation, compensating for decreased perfusion in either the lung or the heart. When coronary to bronchial artery anastomosis is found, ischemic conditions in either the lung or the heart are likely.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Angina Pectoris / complications
  • Angina Pectoris / diagnostic imaging
  • Angina Pectoris / surgery
  • Aortitis / complications
  • Aortitis / diagnostic imaging
  • Aortitis / surgery
  • Bronchial Arteries / diagnostic imaging
  • Bronchial Arteries / pathology*
  • Bronchial Arteries / surgery
  • Coronary Angiography
  • Coronary Disease / diagnostic imaging
  • Coronary Disease / etiology*
  • Coronary Disease / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pulmonary Embolism / complications
  • Pulmonary Embolism / diagnostic imaging
  • Pulmonary Embolism / surgery
  • Pulmonary Heart Disease / complications
  • Pulmonary Heart Disease / diagnostic imaging*
  • Pulmonary Heart Disease / surgery