Transcatheter closure of coronary artery fistulas in infants and children: A French multicenter study.

OBJECTIVES

The short-term efficacy and safety of transcatheter closure (TCC) for the management of coronary artery fistulas (CAFs) was investigated in pediatric patients.

BACKGROUND

CAFS are rare with potentially severe complications and their management is still a matter of debate. Percutaneous closure appears to be the treatment of choice in anatomically suitable vessels but limited data are available in the pediatric population.

METHODS

This retrospective, observational, multicenter, national study included patients under 16 years of age who underwent TCC of a congenital CAF. Patients with additional congenital heart defect were excluded.

RESULTS

61 patients (36 girls, 25 boys) with a median age of 0.6 year [0-15.4] at diagnosis and 3.9 years [0-16] at procedure were included. The CAF was large in 48 patients (79%); it was distal in 23 (38%) and proximal in 22 (36%). Most patients (77%) were asymptomatic at diagnosis. Clinical signs of congestive heart failure were present in seven patients (11%). Perioperative complications included three cases of ST elevation myocardial infarction (exclusively during attempted closure of a distal CAF), three devices migrations, and one case of leg ischemia. One patient died after surgical closure of a large distal CAF that could not be closed by TCC. Follow-up data were collected for 43 patients (70%) for a median of 91 days [0-4,824]. The Kaplan-Meyer estimate for complete occlusion at 2 years was 73 ± 7.6%.

CONCLUSION

TCC in the pediatric population appears to be effective and associated with few complications.