Coronary artery ectasias : imaging, functional assessment and clinical implications

Coronary artery ectasia is a relatively common entity characterized by inappropriate dilatation of the coronary vasculature. The exact mechanism of its development is unknown, but evidence suggests a combination of genetic predisposition, common risk factors for coronary artery disease and abnormal...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:European heart journal 2006-05, Vol.27 (9), p.1026-1031
Main Authors: MANGINAS, Athanassios, COKKINOS, Dennis V
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biological and medical sciences
Blood and lymphatic vessels
Cardiology. Vascular system
Coronary Artery Disease - pathology
Coronary Artery Disease - physiopathology
Coronary Artery Disease - therapy
Coronary Circulation
Coronary heart disease
Diagnostic Imaging
Dilatation, Pathologic - pathology
Diseases of the peripheral vessels. Diseases of the vena cava. Miscellaneous
Heart
Humans
Medical sciences
Prognosis
Survival Analysis
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Summary:Coronary artery ectasia is a relatively common entity characterized by inappropriate dilatation of the coronary vasculature. The exact mechanism of its development is unknown, but evidence suggests a combination of genetic predisposition, common risk factors for coronary artery disease and abnormal vessel wall metabolism. It frequently coexists with aneurysms elsewhere, mostly involving the aorta. In this review, the flow disturbances that are associated with this condition and the imaging modalities, which can be used for diagnosis and prospective follow-up are described. The prognosis of coronary ectasias is controversial and prospective studies focusing on conservative or invasive strategies to prevent cardiac complications are needed.
ISSN:0195-668X
1522-9645
DOI:10.1093/eurheartj/ehi725