Tillous-Borde I, Girardet J P, Fontaine J L
Arch Mal Coeur Vaiss. 1987 Apr;80(4):513-6.
Two cases of fistula between a coronary artery and the cardiac cavities (right coronary artery-right atrium, and right coronary artery-right ventricle) are reported. They were revealed by cardiac failure developed shortly after birth. The diagnosis was confirmed by two-dimensional echocardiography and angiography. In both cases closure of the fistula, with atriotomy in one case and coronary arterotomy in the other case, could be performed before the age of 1 month. The post-operative result was satisfactory in the two infants. Cases in which blood flow through such fistulae is important enough to cause cardiac failure in the newborn are exceptional. Nevertheless, this diagnosis must be borne in mind, as it requires rapid surgical correction.