CORONARY ARTERY ECTASIA: CURRENT CONCEPTS

Coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is a rare condition that affects 3-8% of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), characterized by abnormal dilation of the arteries. The etiology of CAE encompasses a range of acquired and genetic factors, and its pathogenesis remains a subject of ongoing research and debate. Clinical manifestations of CAE can vary widely, ranging from asymptomatic cases to chronic or acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Currently, coronary angiography is considered the gold standard for CAE diagnosis. Current research focuses on understanding the mechanisms underlying the development of CAE, assessing its clinical significance, and optimizing management approaches. There are no universally accepted therapeutic strategies, which underscores the need for an individualized approach to treatment. The risks of thrombosis, ischemia, and disease progression highlight the significance of contemporary diagnostics and monitoring of CAE. Despite being described over 50 years ago, the etiopathogenesis and management tactics for patients with CAE remain topics of ongoing discussion. To this end, we reviewed the literature from the past decade, utilizing databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar. We used keywords including "coronary artery ectasia", "etiopathogenesis", "clinical presentation", "diagnostics", and "treatment", either separately or in combination. Our review centered on the etiopathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of CAE. Keywords: Coronary artery ectasia, etiopathogenesis, clinical features, diagnostics, treatment.