Surgical management of a giant left coronary artery aneurysm mimicking cardiac mass.

Abstract

The giant coronary artery aneurysm is a very rare finding (0.02% of the general population), in which the right coronary artery is most often affected by aneurysms. Herein, we present a rare case of a giant left coronary artery aneurysm involving multiple major coronary arteries and compressing the cardiac cavity. The giant coronary artery aneurysm was opened and explored under cardiopulmonary bypass, and many mixed thrombi and calcified tissue were exposed. The patient was discharged uneventfully 7 days after surgery. The best management strategy at present is based on case reports, small case series, and personal experience. Treatment must be individualized according to the aetiology, location, symptoms, size, disease progression, the existence of infection, and the degree of any coexisting atherosclerosis. Surgery is a good alternative, particularly if a giant coronary artery aneurysm has a high risk of rupture and compressing the cardiac cavity. Even today, the treatment strategy is still open to debate and a clear evidence-based management strategy has not been established.