Isolated coronary artery ectasia: Clinical, angiographic, and follow up characteristics

BACKGROUND: Isolated Coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is considered an uncommon angiographic finding with varying patterns of presentation and carries significant morbidity burden to the patient. Our objective was to evaluate the prevalence of this condition, to analyse its clinical, angiographic, and follow up characteristics. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Coronary angiography was performed in 4950 patients from January 2009 to August 2014. The epidemiological, clinical, angiographic, and follow up characteristics of 52 patients with isolated CAE were examined. RESULTS: Of the 4950 angiograms analysed, isolated CAE was found in 52 patients, a prevalence of 1.05 %. The mean age of patients was 53.4 years. A predominance of the male sex was observed (71.1%). Angina on exertion was the most common presenting symptom (61.5%). Single vessel was involved in 61.5%. Left anterior descending artery was the most commonly involved vessel followed by right coronary artery, left circumflex and left main coronary artery. Type IV CAE as per Markis classification was the most common involvement. The median follow-up was 28 ± 20 months, during which 10 patients (19.2%) had recurrent chest pain, and four patients were re-hospitalised, three for unstable angina, one for myocardial infarction. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of isolated coronary ectasia was 1.05%. The majority of patients had single vessel involvement, and left anterior descending branch was the most common involved vessel. This condition may not be considered completely benign, as it is associated with atherosclerotic risk factors and occurrence of coronary events including angina and myocardial infarction.