Abordaje de imagen cardíaca multimodal en el diagnóstico y seguimiento de una fístula aorto-cavitaria

Abstract

Aortocaval fistulas are cardiac malformations without any worldwide incidence or prevalence data. The case is presented of a 45-year-old male patient, asymptomatic, with a 15-year history of infective endocarditis without clinical follow-up, who attended a routine check-up and was auscultated a cardiac murmur. After assessment by noninvasive cardiac imaging techniques, an aortocaval fistula associated with an anomaly at the origin of the coronary arteries was observed. The aim of the present article was to describe the usefulness of multimodal cardiac imaging in the diagnostic suspicion and confirmation of a patient with asymptomatic congenital aortocaval fistula. The use of various imaging techniques includes noninvasive studies that facilitate the diagnosis of cardiac anomalies and comprehensive patient follow-up. The surgical approach is indicated in selected cases; optimal intervention time is controversial; and follow- up, together with clinical assessment, is of great diagnostic value.