DISCUSSION
In this case, we presented a patient with congenital aortic-right atrium fistula that we detected in adulthood and which we closed percutaneously. According to our literature review, it is the second ARAF case that is congenital and detected in adulthood and closed percutaneously. The first case of ARAF was successfully closed by Patra S. et al (2) at the age of 22 with ARAF Amplatzer Vascular Plug II (St. Jude Medical, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA) that opened the aorta from the right coronary sinus through a giant aneurysm chamber into the right atrium.
The presence of blood flow between the aorta and atrium is a rare but complex pathological condition also known as aortic-atrial fistula (AAF). AAF can be congenital or acquired (infective endocarditis, trauma, aortic dissection, a complication of cardiac surgery, etc.). The exact incidence is currently unknown as AAF has not been extensively studied. There is also a lack of information regarding various aspects of AAF such as diagnostic strategies and management options. The embryological background and cause of congenital ARAF are unclear. Gajjar et al. (3) argue that the probable cause of this condition is a congenital deficiency of the elastic lamina in the media layer of the aorta, and as a result, due to high aortic pressure, the defective area in the aortic wall creates an extracardiac tunnel. It causes gradual enlargement and rupture of the right atrium due to the anatomical proximity and low filling pressure.
In the systematic review conducted by Jainandunsing JS et al.(1), a literature review was conducted and 136 AAF patients, including all age groups, were examined. ARAF was the most common with 63.2%. The incidence of congenital ARAF was 9.6%. ARAF was closed surgically in 73.5% and percutaneously in 10.3%. Amplatzer device was used in 71.4% of percutaneous closures. As a treatment approach in this review; If small ARAFs are asymptomatic, close monitoring with diuretic therapy and active closure of the fistula should be considered if the clinical condition worsens. Large ARAF requires emergency closure by a percutaneous or surgical approach. Spontaneous closure of ARAF is very rare and conservative treatment should not be recommended in cases with large fistulas or clinical symptoms. Surgery and percutaneous closure had similar results.
In our case, closure was decided because the patient was symptomatic. Percutaneous intervention was preferred to surgery, as the fistula has a distinct origin and a narrow terminal ending in the right atrium.