Coronary artery aneurysm: a review

Abstract

Coronary artery aneurysm is defined as coronary dilatation which exceeds the diameter of normal adjacent segments or the diameter of the patient's largest coronary vessel by 1.5 times. This is an uncommon disease which has been diagnosed with increasing frequency since the advent of coronary angiography. The incidence varies from 1.5% to 5% with male dominance and a predilection for the right coronary artery. Atherosclerosis accounts for 50% of coronary aneurysms in adults. Reported complications include thrombosis and distal embolization, rupture and vasospasm. The natural history and prognosis remains obscure. Controversies persist regarding the use of surgical or medical management. The authors recommend surgery based on the severity of associated coronary stenosis rather than the mere presence of aneurysm. Medical therapy is indicated for the majority of patients and consists of antiplatelet and anticoagulant medication.