Detection of myocardial ischaemia caused by coronary artery-left ventricular fistulae using myocardial contrast echocardiography

Abstract

A coronary artery-left ventricular fistula (CAF) is an extremely rare anatomical abnormality in which blood drains directly from a coronary artery into the left ventricle. CAF may cause myocardial ischaemia and angina. Myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) is a non-invasive technique which assesses myocardial perfusion. We describe a patient with CAF in whom transmural myocardial ischaemia was demonstrated using MCE. © The Author 2008.