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  • Editorial: Coronary artery aneurysms in chronic coronary syndromes

    Coronary artery aneurysm (CAA) is defined as abnormal localized dilation of the coronary artery that exceeds 1.5 times the diameter of the adjacent normal vessel. Although sometimes used interchangeably with CAA, coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is somewhat different and implies diffuse dilation of the vessel. CAA is further subclassified morphologically into saccular or fusiform aneurysms depending upon the longitudinal or transverse dimensions of the aneurysm  . Fusiform dilations are much more commonly present  . Giant aneurysms have diameters exceeding 20 mm. A false aneurysm or pseudoaneurysm is defined as the rupture of the artery contained within the tunica adventitia  . Histopathologic examination of the aneurysm shows the destruction of tunica media and internal elastic lamina resulting in increased wall stress and consequent vessel dilation. At the site of coronary aneurysms, the normal smooth muscle cells and elastic fibers are replaced with hyalinized connective tissue  . CAAs are noted in up to 5 % of the patients undergoing coronary angiography, are more prevalent in men, and have a strong predilection for the right coronary artery and the proximal segments of the coronary beds  .

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