# Bilateral Epicardial Coronary Microfistulas With Anomalous Deviation

**Authors:** João Cleriston da Silva Calheiros, João Pedro Kern Alves, Natan Lucca Lima, Darlos Kelvin de Azevedo, Luís Cláudio Izidio Costa Júnior, Bruna Magalhães Magota, Marina Germano Gomes, Gabriel Pettenon Gubert, Sofia Zilli Santos, Murilo Zomer Frasson

PMC · DOI: 10.1016/j.jaccas.2025.106798 · JACC Case Reports · 2026-01-29

## TL;DR

A rare case of bilateral coronary microfistulas causing type 2 myocardial infarction is presented, highlighting the importance of angiography and conservative management.

## Contribution

This case adds to the understanding of microfistulas as a rare cause of myocardial infarction and emphasizes individualized treatment.

## Key findings

- Bilateral coronary microfistulas can lead to type 2 myocardial infarction.
- Coronary angiography is crucial for diagnosing microfistulas.
- Conservative management can be effective in managing such cases.

## Abstract

Bilateral coronary microfistulas with redirection to the left ventricle are extremely rare clinical events. Although most cases are asymptomatic, the severity varies according to the redirection of blood flow, possibly leading to type 2 myocardial infarction.

A 79-year-old woman with a medical history of hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, and anxiety presented with atypical chest pain. Electrocardiogram revealed sinus rhythm with an electrically inactive area in the inferior wall, and serial troponin measurements indicated myocardial injury. Coronary angiography demonstrated bilateral coronary microfistulas draining into the left ventricle, in the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease. The patient was discharged with atenolol and acetylsalicylic acid and remained stable during follow-up.

This case contributes to the growing recognition of coronary microfistulas as a rare but clinically meaningful cause of type 2 myocardial infarction, emphasizing the diagnostic value of coronary angiography and reinforcing the importance of individualized conservative management in such diffuse presentations of fistulas.

## Linked entities

- **Chemicals:** atenolol (PubChem CID 2249), acetylsalicylic acid (PubChem CID 2244)
- **Diseases:** type 2 diabetes mellitus (MONDO:0005148), hypothyroidism (MONDO:0005420), anxiety (MONDO:0005618), myocardial infarction (MONDO:0005068)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** hypothyroidism (MESH:D007037), chest pain (MESH:D002637), coronary artery disease (MESH:D003324), type 2 myocardial infarction (MESH:D009203), anxiety (MESH:D001007), myocardial injury (MESH:D009202), fistulas (MESH:D005402), hypertension (MESH:D006973), type 2 diabetes mellitus (MESH:D003924)
- **Chemicals:** acetylsalicylic acid (MESH:D001241), atenolol (MESH:D001262)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

4 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC13008545/full.md

## References

10 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC13008545/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC13008545