Right coronary artery aneurysm

A right coronary artery aneurysm refers to an abnormal dilation or bulging of the right coronary artery, which is one of the main arteries that supplies blood to the heart. Aneurysms can occur in any blood vessel, including arteries, and they can vary in size and severity.

Causes:
There are several possible causes of a right coronary artery aneurysm, including:

Atherosclerosis: This is the most common cause of coronary artery aneurysms. It involves the buildup of fatty deposits, called plaques, on the inner walls of the arteries, which can weaken and damage the artery wall, leading to an aneurysm.
Infection: Rarely, infections such as syphilis or bacterial endocarditis can cause inflammation and weakening of the arterial walls, resulting in an aneurysm.
Connective tissue disorders: Certain conditions that affect the connective tissue, such as Marfan syndrome or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, can predispose individuals to develop aneurysms.
Trauma: A severe injury to the chest or a direct blow to the heart can cause an aneurysm in the coronary arteries.
Symptoms:
In many cases, a small coronary artery aneurysm may not cause any symptoms and may be discovered incidentally during diagnostic testing for other reasons. However, larger aneurysms or those associated with complications may lead to symptoms such as:

Chest pain or discomfort (angina)
Shortness of breath
Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
Fatigue
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Fainting (syncope) in severe cases
Treatment:
The treatment for a right coronary artery aneurysm depends on its size, location, and the presence of symptoms or complications. The main goals of treatment are to prevent further enlargement, reduce the risk of blood clots, and manage symptoms. Treatment options may include:

Medications: Your doctor may prescribe medications to control symptoms, manage underlying conditions, and prevent blood clots. These may include antiplatelet agents, beta-blockers, or ACE inhibitors.
Interventional procedures: In some cases, a procedure called percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) may be performed to repair or stabilize the aneurysm. This involves using a catheter-based technique to insert a stent or other devices to support the artery wall and restore blood flow.
Surgery: If the aneurysm is large, causing severe symptoms, or at high risk of rupture, surgical intervention may be necessary. The surgeon may perform a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery to bypass the affected artery or remove the aneurysm and reconstruct the artery.
It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional who can evaluate your specific situation and recommend the most appropriate treatment approach for a right coronary artery aneurysm.

Dr.Sam Zeraatian Nejad Davani, CEO of rockingham medical research ADKWA center as well as Head of IUMS transplant and cardiovascular surgery department.