Coronary-to-pulmonary artery fistulas: a report of three cases

Congenital coronary-to-pulmonary artery fistulas are rare anomalies and they generally have an asymptomatic course. We presented three symptomatic patients (2 men, 1 woman; age range 46 to 53 years) who underwent surgical repair via the epicardial approach for coronary-to-pulmonary artery fistulas. Treatment was successful in two patients. Reoperation in extracorporeal circulation was required in one patient having a plexus-like fistula. The distal orifice of the fistula was closed under direct vision from within the pulmonary artery. No complications or symptoms were seen during the follow-up of patients ranging from six months to four years. During repair of coronary-to-pulmonary artery fistulas, the presence of a plexus-like variant must be kept in mind and the treatment should be planned accordingly.