Overview of coronary artery variants, aberrations and anomalies

Unveiling the Rarity: An Anomaly of the Left Circumflex Artery Supplying Left Ventricular Apex and Presenting With Myocardial Infarction

Coronary arteries are typically identified based on the myocardial territory they supply. In rare cases of coronary artery anomalies, the apex of the heart may be supplied by arteries other than the left anterior descending artery. While it is more common for the posterior descending artery from the right coronary artery to supply the apex, there are rare instances where the left circumflex (LCX) artery performs this function. This case report describes an unusual occurrence where the left ventricular apex is supplied by an obtuse marginal branch of the LCX artery. We present this case due to its rarity, unique presentation, and the challenges it poses for both medical and surgical management.

Misconception of 'malignant' and 'scissor-like compression' of interarterial course in anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery: a case series

Background

The notion that the 'interarterial' segment of anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery (AAOCA) is 'malignant' and 'scissor-like' compressed between the aorta and pulmonary artery (PA) is debated, owing to the lower pressure in the pulmonary system compared with that in the coronary system. However, data supporting or refuting this belief under stress conditions are lacking.

Case summary

Three cases of right AAOCA with interarterial/intramural courses (52, 66, and 51 years old) were assessed. Invasively measured fractional flow reserve (FFR) under dobutamine was 0.85, 0.82, and 0.81, respectively. Intravascular ultrasound illustrated lateral vessel compression of the intramural course with a decrease of minimal lumen area (MLA) (i.e. 5.71-3.47 mm2, 5.88-4.00 mm2, and 5.85-4.06 mm2) under stress conditions with heart rates of 130, 140, and 150 b.p.m., respectively. Pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) increased from rest {s/d (m) [systolic/diastolic (mean)] 22/11 (15), 15/2 (5), and 24/6 (14) mmHg} to stress [s/d (m) 47/24 (36), 30/3 (11), and 36/22 (24) mmHg] and remained below aortic peak pressure (blood pressure, BP) rest [s/d (m) 116/64 (91), 94/48 (71), 99/53 and (62) mmHg]; BP stress [s/d (m) 142/63 (80), 123/63 (88), and 86/46 (62) mmHg]; coronary pressure (CoP) rest [s/d (m) 100/59 (80), 80/45 (62), and 83/47 (63) mmHg]; and CoP stress [s/d (m) 95/60 (69),101/54 (72), and 70/32 (50) mmHg].

Conclusion

This case series challenges the assumption that the interarterial segment of AAOCA is scissor-like compressed by both the aorta and PA. The decrease in MLA and FFR under stress is due to the aorta's unidirectional lateral compression on the intramural segment. Additionally, the term 'malignant' should not be universally applied to all AAOCA cases with an interarterial course, as not all result in haemodynamic significance.

Case report: intravascular ultrasound-guided entry to an anomalous highly angulated circumflex coronary artery originating from the right sinus of Valsalva

Background

Anomalous coronary arteries originating from the contralateral sinus of Valsalva constitute a rare congenital anomaly. Most of such anomalous coronary arteries exhibit slit-like orifice that are often compounded by external compressive factors. Consequently, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of these vessels poses considerable challenges, both in terms of cannulation but also intervention in often acutely angulated vessels.

Case summary

A 61-year-old man, with a history of previous coronary artery bypass graft surgery and PCI presented with a history consistent with unstable angina. Notably, the left circumflex artery (LCX) in this individual exhibited an anomalous origin. Due to unfavourable anatomy and ambiguous LCX ostium take-off, previous operators had elected PCI of the saphenous vein graft (SVG) anastomosed to the obtuse marginal branch. A computed tomography scan on this occasion confirmed occlusion of the SVG and defined precise origin of anomalous coronary artery. Real-time live intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) positioned in the ascending aorta, in the right sinus of Valsalva, allowed visualization of the origin and wiring of the anomalous circumflex coronary artery and also facilitated successful PCI.

Discussion

As far as we are aware, this is the first description of IVUS assisted wiring of an anomalous coronary artery. Intravascular ultrasound also facilitated decision making in this complex angioplasty of an angulated and heavily diseased circumflex coronary artery.

Anatomical Variants of the Origin of the Coronary Arteries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Prevalence

PURPOSE

The most common anomaly is an anomalous left coronary artery originating from the pulmonary artery. These variants can be different and depend on the location as well as how they present themselves in their anatomical distribution and their symptomatological relationship. For these reasons, this review aims to identify the variants of the coronary artery and how they are associated with different clinical conditions.

METHODS

The databases Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, CINAHL, and LILACS were researched until January 2024. Two authors independently performed the search, study selection, and data extraction. Methodological quality was evaluated using an assurance tool for anatomical studies (AQUA). Pooled prevalence was estimated using a random effects model.

RESULTS

A total of 39 studies met the established selection criteria. In this study, 21 articles with a total of 578,868 subjects were included in the meta-analysis. The coronary artery origin variant was 1% (CI = 0.8-1.2%). For this third sample, the funnel plot graph showed an important asymmetry, with a p-value of 0.162, which is directly associated with this asymmetry.

CONCLUSIONS

It is recommended that patients whose diagnosis was made incidentally and in the absence of symptoms undergo periodic controls to prevent future complications, including death. Finally, we believe that further studies could improve the anatomical, embryological, and physiological understanding of this variant in the heart.

A Pictorial Essay of Coronary Artery Anomalies on Coronary CT Angiography: A Single-Centre Observational Study

Background Congenital anomalies of the coronary artery anatomy (CAAs) encompass a spectrum of disorders, often asymptomatic but potentially carrying severe clinical implications such as arrhythmia, chest pain, myocardial infarction, or sudden death. The estimated prevalence of CAAs in the general population ranges from 0.3% to 1.3%, with underdiagnosis in asymptomatic individuals. Multidetector computed tomography angiography (CTA) has emerged as a vital non-invasive tool for diagnosing and characterising CAAs, offering improved visualisation and aiding in appropriate management decisions. This study aims to analyse the spectrum of CAAs in a tertiary care setting, focusing on imaging features, prevalence, and potential clinical significance, utilising data from patients who underwent multidetector CTA. Methodology A single-centre, retrospective analysis of consecutive coronary angiograms over a five-year period identified patients with CAAs, with imaging conducted using a 128-slice, single-source CT scanner. Detailed imaging evaluation was performed by experienced radiologists, with anomalies classified according to established criteria. Results Among 756 coronary CTA examinations analysed, 37 instances of anomalous coronary vessels were identified. The study revealed a diverse range of anomalies, including myocardial bridging, anomalous origin of coronary arteries, and extracardiac abnormalities. Conclusions This study contributes valuable insights into the prevalence and imaging features of CAAs, enhancing our understanding of these anomalies and guiding improved patient outcomes in cardiovascular care. Future research should focus on elucidating pathophysiological mechanisms and establishing multicenter registries to address the challenges associated with studying these infrequent but clinically significant anomalies.

Takes Two to Tangle: A Rare Case of Type IV Dual Left Anterior Descending Artery (LAD) and Dual Ostia of the LAD and Left Circumflex (LCx) Artery

The dual left anterior descending (LAD) artery is a rare anatomic variant of the LAD artery that refers to the duplication of the LAD into a short and long LAD. These two vessels, differentiated based on their lengths, ultimately provide blood supply to the areas normally covered by the LAD. In this case report, we describe an unusual case of a type IV dual LAD system with an additional finding of a separate origin for the short LAD and left circumflex (LCx) artery. These two findings have not been reported together in the literature previously. During diagnostic procedures like coronary angiography or when interpreting cardiac imaging, awareness of these anomalies prevents confusion with pathological conditions such as coronary artery disease or stenosis. Additionally, it is crucial for cardiologists and surgeons to identify these aberrant vessels to avoid any wrongful interventions.

Trends in Coronary Artery Anomalies Detection by Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography (CCTA): A Real-Life Comparative Study before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic

BACKGROUND

In the wake of the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic, affecting healthcare systems globally, urgent research is needed to understand its potential repercussions on the diagnosis and management of cardiovascular disorders. This emphasises the importance of detecting coronary artery anomalies (CAAs), rare conditions that can range from benign to potentially life-threatening manifestations. We aimed to retrospectively assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the detection of various coronary anomalies using Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography (CCTA) within a regional tertiary cardiology unit in north-eastern Romania, focusing on perceived occurrence in the population under study, types, and related demographic and clinical factors.

METHODS

We analysed CCTA scans and investigated the trends in CAA detection among cardiology patients over a decade. We compared pre-COVID-19 and pandemic-era data to assess the impact of healthcare utilisation, patient behaviour, and diagnostic approaches on anomaly detection.

RESULTS

Our analysis revealed a higher detection rate of CAAs during the pandemic (3.9% versus 2.2%), possibly highlighting differences in patient clinical profile and addressability changes presentation compared to the previous period. Origination and course anomalies, often linked to severe symptoms, were significantly higher pre-COVID-19 (64.1% versus 51.3%). Conversely, intrinsic CAAs, typically asymptomatic or manifesting later in life, notably increased during the pandemic (49.0% versus 61.4%; p = 0.020).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study underscores a significant rise in CAA detection during the COVID-19 era, potentially linked to changes in cardiovascular and respiratory clinical patterns, with advanced imaging modalities like CCTA offering accuracy in identification.

The Ramus Intermedius: A Bridge to Survival in the Setting of Triple-Vessel Total Occlusion

Coronary artery disease continues to remain the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Coronary blood supply is provided through the right and left main coronary arteries. The left main coronary artery (LMCA) in turn gives rise to the left anterior descending (LAD) and left circumflex (LCX) arteries. In some cases, LMCA may trifurcate into the ramus intermedius (RI) in addition to the LAD and LCX arteries. Atherosclerotic plaque formation and rupture with subsequent clot formation and occlusion of coronary arteries are the underlying mechanisms of myocardial infarction. Though the clinical implications of the presence of ramus intermedius (RI) are controversial some data suggest that the RI is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerotic plaque formation in the LMCA and the proximal LAD. Conversely, it has been proposed that the RI provides an additional collateral source of blood supply to the myocardium and may potentially contribute to improved survival. Case reports tout the benefits of RI, specifically in the setting of multivessel coronary artery occlusions. Whether it increases the risk of atherosclerotic plaque formation or whether it is protective has yet to be determined. We present a case of a 58-year-old male who presented with acute coronary syndrome and cardiogenic shock due to total ostial occlusion of LAD. The patient had also chronic total occlusions of the right coronary artery and LCX but a patent RI, which was the only source of blood supply to the myocardium and practically determined the patient's survival. Additionally, we performed a literature review to identify similar cases, to support RI's potentially protective role in enhancing survival.

Casting Light on The Hidden Prevalence: A Novel Perspective on Hypoplastic Coronary Artery Disease

Background and Objectives: Coronary artery anomalies (CAAs) represent a group of rare cardiac abnormalities with an incidence of up to 1.2%. The aim of this retrospective study was to conduct a comprehensive epidemiological assessment of the prevalence of hypoplastic coronary arteries using coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) in patients with diagnosed CAAs and individuals presenting with cardiovascular manifestations in the north-eastern region of Romania. This study was motivated by the limited investigation of the CAAs conducted in this area. Methods: We analyzed data collected from 12,758 coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) records available at the "Prof. Dr. George I.M. Georgescu" Cardiovascular Diseases Institute, spanning the years 2012 to 2022. Results: Among 350 individuals with CAAs (2.7% of the total cohort), 71 patients (20.3% of the anomaly presenting group and 0.5% of the entire CCTA cohort) exhibited at least one hypoplastic coronary artery. The mean age of individuals diagnosed with hypoplastic coronary artery disease (HCAD) was 61 years, while the age distribution among them ranged from 22 to 84 years. Nearly equal cases of right and left dominance (33 and 31, respectively) were observed, with only 7 cases of co-dominance. Conclusions: HCAD may be considered underexplored in current published research, despite its potentially significant implications ranging to an increased risk of sudden cardiac arrest. The specific prevalence of HCAD among CAAs might be higher than previously reported, possibly reflecting better diagnostic accuracy of CCTA over classic coronary imaging. The absence of standard diagnostic and therapeutic protocols for HCAD underscores the necessity of a personalized approach for such cases.

Coronary Artery Anomalies - State of the Art Review

Coronary artery anomalies (CAAs) comprise a wide spectrum of anatomic entities, with diverse clinical phenotypes. We present a case of an anomalous right coronary artery arising from the left aortic sinus with an interarterial course, a potentially fatal condition that can precipitate ischemia and sudden cardiac death. CAAs are increasingly detected in adults, mostly as incidental findings in the course of cardiac evaluation. This is due to the expanding use of invasive and noninvasive cardiac imaging, usually in the work-up for possible CAD. The prognostic implications of CAAs in this group of patients remain unclear. In AAOCA patients, appropriate work-up with anatomical and functional imaging should be performed for risk stratification. An individualized approach to management should be adopted, considering symptoms, age, sporting activities and the presence of high-risk anatomical features and physiologic consequences (such as ischemia, myocardial fibrosis, or cardiac arrhythmias) detected on multimodality imaging or other functional cardiac investigations. This comprehensive and up to date review seeks to crystallize current data in the recent literature, and proposes a clinical management algorithm for the clinician faced with the conundrum of managing such conditions.

EAGMN: Coronary artery semantic labeling using edge attention graph matching network

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is one of the primary causes leading deaths worldwide. The presence of atherosclerotic lesions in coronary arteries is the underlying pathophysiological basis of CAD, and accurate extraction of individual arterial branches using invasive coronary angiography (ICA) is crucial for stenosis detection and CAD diagnosis. However, deep-learning-based models face challenges in generating semantic segmentation for coronary arteries due to the morphological similarity among different types of arteries. To address this challenge, we propose an innovative approach called the Edge Attention Graph Matching Network (EAGMN) for coronary artery semantic labeling. Inspired by the learning process of interventional cardiologists in interpreting ICA images, our model compares arterial branches between two individual graphs generated from different ICAs. We begin with extracting individual graphs based on the vascular tree obtained from the ICA. Each node in the individual graph represents an arterial segment, and the EAGMN aims to learn the similarity between nodes from the two individual graphs. By converting the coronary artery semantic segmentation task into a graph node similarity comparison task, identifying the node-to-node correspondence would assign semantic labels for each arterial branch. More specifically, the EAGMN utilizes the association graph constructed from the two individual graphs as input. A graph attention module is employed for feature embedding and aggregation, while a decoder generates the linear assignment for node-to-node semantic mapping. Based on the learned node-to-node relationships, unlabeled coronary arterial segments are classified using the labeled coronary arterial segments, thereby achieving semantic labeling. A dataset with 263 labeled ICAs is used to train and validate the EAGMN. Experimental results indicate the EAGMN achieved a weighted accuracy of 0.8653, a weighted precision of 0.8656, a weighted recall of 0.8653 and a weighted F1-score of 0.8643. Furthermore, we employ ZORRO to provide interpretability and explainability of the graph matching for artery semantic labeling. These findings highlight the potential of the EAGMN for accurate and efficient coronary artery semantic labeling using ICAs. By leveraging the inherent characteristics of ICAs and incorporating graph matching techniques, our proposed model provides a promising solution for improving CAD diagnosis and treatment.

The Differences of Quantitative Flow Ratio in Coronary Artery Stenosis with or without Atrial Fibrillation

Quantitative flow ratio (QFR) is a new method for the assessment of the extent of coronary artery stenosis. But it may be obscured by the cardiac remodeling and abnormal blood flow of the coronary artery when encountering atrial fibrillation (AF). The present study aimed to examine the impact of these changed structures and blood flow of coronary arteries on QFR results in AF patients. Methods and Results. We evaluated QFR in 223 patients (112 patients with AF; 111 non-AF patients served as controls) who had undergone percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) due to severe stenoses in coronary arteries. QFR of the target coronary was determined according to the flow rate of the contrast agent. Results showed that AF patients had significantly higher QFR values than control (0.792 ± 0.118 vs. 0.685 ± 0.167, p < 0.001). We further analyzed local QFR around the stenoses (0.858 ± 0.304 vs. 0.756 ± 0.146, p=0.002), residual QFR (0.958 ± 0.055 vs. 0.929 ± 0.093, p=0.005), and index QFR (0.807 ± 0.108 vs. 0.713 ± 0.152, p < 0.001) in these two groups of patients with and without AF. Further analysis revealed that QFR in AF patients was negatively correlated with coronary flow velocity (R = -0.22, p=0.02) and area of stenosis (R = -0.70, p < 0.001) but positively correlated with the minimum lumen area (MLA) (R = 0.47, p < 0.001). Conclusion. AF patients with coronary artery stenosis have higher QFR values, which are associated with decreased blood flow velocity, smaller stenosis, and larger MLA in AF patients upon cardiac remodeling.

Echocardiogram-Guided Diagnosis of Anomalous Coronary Arteries: A Rare Presentation

Incidentaloma, a term that embodies the detection of certain problems during the performance of unreasonable investigations, resonates in the medical field. Retroaortic coronary sign is a recently recognized echocardiographic feature of the anomalous coronary artery. It is typically associated with anomalies of the left coronary artery, especially the left circumflex artery. As far as has been monitored, few echocardiographic signs that correlate with this feature have been identified. This feature often remains underdiagnosed on transthoracic echocardiograms due to confusion with artifacts, calcifications, and other cardiac structures. A 45-year-old male patient underwent regular cardiac routine assessment. Retroaortic anomalous coronary (RAC) sign was incidentally detected by transthoracic thoracic echocardiogram; consequently, the retroaortic route of the coronary artery was suspected. Coronary computed tomography angiography was requested to confirm the seen echocardiographic signs. After a 3D reconstruction imaging, the left circumflex retroaortic course was identified with right coronary sinus origin. This case ensures the importance of transthoracic echocardiography as a noninvasive tool in diagnosing anomalous coronary arteries. These anomalies are usually diagnosed by coronary computed tomography angiography and coronary angiography, mainly in the presence of retroaortic coronary sign or "crossed aorta sign."

Coronary Artery Anomalies: A Short Case Series and Current Review

Coronary artery anomalies (CAAs) are rare congenital cardiovascular defects that can present in various ways depending on the origin, course, and termination of the abnormal coronary artery fistula. It is sometimes detected incidentally during procedures such as coronary angiography or autopsies. While adults with this condition are often asymptomatic, some may experience angina, congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy, ventricular aneurysms, or sudden cardiac death (SCD). In fact, it is the second leading cause of SCD among young athletes and requires more studies to handle such patients efficiently. To illustrate the many possible manifestations of this unusual diagnosis, we present a series of five cases. We have also reviewed the different varieties of this rare congenital anomaly and discussed the latest diagnostic tests and treatment plans.

Anomalous Left Main Coronary Artery From the Right Sinus of Valsalva

Anomalous coronary arteries are rare, mostly benign anatomic abnormalities. Anomalous origin of the left main coronary artery from the right sinus of Valsalva (LCA-RSV) is a rare variant that may lead to myocardial ischemia or sudden cardiac death. We present the case of a 49-year-old patient with a history of type 2 diabetes and smoking who presented to the emergency department with acute chest pain and was diagnosed with inferior ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). A transthoracic echocardiogram demonstrated inferolateral wall motion abnormalities of the left ventricle. The patient underwent cardiac catheterization that showed an anomalous left main coronary artery originating from the right sinus of Valsalva, alongside atherosclerotic triple-vessel disease. He was discharged home on medical management, including dual antiplatelet therapy, beta blockers, and statins, with scheduled follow-up.

Type II single coronary artery from right aortic sinus, retro-aortic left coronary artery and dual LAD: a rare association of coronary arterial variations

PURPOSE

The coronary arterial tree has a wide range of possible benign anatomical variations. It is important to differentiate them from coronary arterial anomalies, which can remain asymptomatic or in some cases lead to sudden death if undiagnosed.

METHODS

A 42-year-old female patient with a transient ST depression in right precordial leads performed an ECG-gated computed tomography angiography with dual layer spectral CT (IQon Elite Spectral CT, Philips, Amsterdam, The Netherlands) at Circolo Hospital of Varese.

RESULTS

A rare variant was observed and studied: a single common trunk arising from the right sinus of Valsalva which branches into a right coronary artery, a left anterior descending artery with malignant course and a left main with a retroaortic course; the left main gives origin to a dual anterior interventricular artery ("Dual LAD") and a left circumflex artery.

CONCLUSIONS

This type of variation was never described in the English literature. Identifying this variant is crucial for potential ischemic complications during sports activities or with the onset of atherosclerotic disease.

Juvenile sudden cardiac death due to congenital coronary ostial valve-like ridges: A case report and literature review

Coronary artery anomalies are a heterogeneous group of congenital disorders affecting the coronary pattern with a characteristic (origin, number, number of hosts, course, etc.). They are rarely found in the population. We report the case of a 21-year-old male who died from sudden cardiac death caused by an isolated coronary ostial obstruction, secondary to a rare anomaly, the presence of a valve-like ridge consisting of a small fold in the Valsalva aortic sinus. The study provides a brief literature review on the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and clinical and medico-legal issues in coronary artery anomaly cases that may be helpful in forensic practice when dealing with sudden cardiac death in young people and highlights key points for further research and public health measures.

Narrative Review of Anomalous Origin of Coronary Arteries: Pathophysiology, Management, and Treatment

Coronary artery anomalies (CAA) are a diverse group of congenital anomalies and are the second most common cause of sudden cardiac death in the young population after Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM). Symptoms range from chest pain, syncope, or sudden cardiac arrest to completely asymptomatic. The prevalence of congenital coronary artery anomalies in the general population is estimated to be between 1% and 2%. CAA often gets underdiagnosed due to the lack of knowledge of the disease process. Approximately 5% of patients with acute myocardial infarction do not have atherosclerotic coronary artery disease or luminal narrowing due to other causes. Congenital coronary artery anomalies account for 50-60% of this 5% of patients. Most patients are asymptomatic for most of their lives, and chest pain is the most common symptom in symptomatic patients when referred for coronary angiography, typically when the diagnosis is typically made. The malignant coronary artery is a rare presentation of a coronary anomaly when associated with atherosclerotic coronary artery disease or valvular heart disease. Patients with symptoms of an abnormal coronary artery origin will receive medical treatment/observation, exercise restriction, coronary angioplasty with stent deployment, or surgical repair.

Congenital absence of the right coronary artery: A case report

BACKGROUND

As a rare anomaly, congenital absence of the right coronary artery (RCA) occurs during the development of coronary artery. Patients with congenital absence of the RCA often show no clinical symptoms, and this disease is considered benign. The left coronary artery gives blood supply to the whole myocardium. The prevalence of congenital absence of the RCA is approximately 0.024%-0.066%. There are few cases reported as for this disease. In this work, a patient, with congenital absence of the RCA diagnosed by coronary angiography (CAG), was described.

CASE SUMMARY

A 41-year-old man arrived at our hospital for treatment, due to the repeated palpitations for a duration of one year. Considering the possibility of coronary heart disease, the patient underwent CAG that indicated the congenital absence of the RCA. Unfortunately, the patient refused to accept computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA), to further confirm the congenital absence of the RCA.

CONCLUSION

Single coronary artery is a rare type of coronary artery abnormality, which usually has no obvious clinical manifestations and is considered as a benign disease. CAG is the main means by which congenital absence of the RCA can be diagnosed, and the disease can also be further confirmed by CTCA.

A rare case of isolated single coronary artery, Lipton's type LIIB diagnosed by computed tomography coronary angiography

Single coronary artery (SCA) is a very rare coronary artery anomaly of origin and course with a reported prevalence of only 0.024%-0.066% among patients undergoing routine coronary angiography. The majority of the individuals remain asymptomatic and thus SCA is found only incidentally on conventional or computed tomography coronary angiography done for other reasons. A minority of the patients may have non-specific cardiac symptoms (such as ischemic pain, tachycardia, etc.) or even sudden death. SCA can occur in isolation or in association with other congenital cardiac defects like such as persistent truncus arteriosus, tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), pulmonary atresia, transposition of great vessels (TGA), ventricular septal defect (VSD), coronary arteriovenous fistula (AVF), patent foramen ovale (PFO) and bicuspid aortic valve. We present a case of 50 years male with incidental finding of SCA arising from the left coronary sinus which had an inter-arterial course before branching (SCA Type: LIIB based on the Lipton-Yamanaka classification) which was revealed on computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) performed after the patient complained of infrequent chest pain. Management of the diagnosed cases can be either conservative, stent placement or surgical correction based on the symptomatology and clinico-lab findings.

Utilization of cardiac graft with single coronary artery for orthotopic heart transplantation

Background

Anomalous coronary arteries arise in a small subset of the population, with each configuration conveying a varying degree of long-term risk. The utilization of cardiac grafts with these anomalies have not been well described.

Case presentation

An anomalous single coronary artery with the left main coronary artery arising from the right coronary ostium was discovered in a 40-year old male evaluated for cardiac donation. After evaluation, this heart was successfully procured and utilized for orthotopic heart transplantation.

Conclusion

In this report, we demonstrate that in select cases, a cardiac graft with single coronary artery anatomy can be successfully procured and transplanted with excellent outcomes.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13019-022-02035-x.

Challenging Diagnosis of Anomalous Origin of the Right Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery

Anomalous origin of the right coronary artery (RCA) from the pulmonary artery, ARCAPA, is an extremely rare congenital heart disease. Only 200 cases were reported from 1885 to the present. Patients diagnosed with ARCAPA can be either asymptomatic or can experience symptoms, such as heart murmur, dyspnea, or angina, shortly after birth or around 40-60 years of life. Usually, those with isolated ARCAPA are diagnosed later in life compared to those who associate other structural cardiac defects. We report two cases of anomalous origin of the right coronary artery at the level of the pulmonary artery trunk (ARCAPA) that were diagnosed by invasive coronary angiography. Although asymptomatic, general recommendations suggest an early corrective intervention to prevent complications such as myocardial ischemia and cardiac dysfunction, which can lead to sudden cardiac death.

Anomalous Origin of the Right Coronary Artery From the Left Coronary Cusp Presenting as a Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI)

Coronary artery anomalies are relatively uncommon in the general population with a roughly 1% incidence. Though oftentimes asymptomatic, these anomalies can be detrimental, resulting in myocardial infarction and even sudden cardiac death. Here, we present a case in which a 65-year-old male presented to the emergency room with substernal chest pain that radiated into his left arm. The patient's cardiac enzyme panel revealed a troponin of 10.14 ng/mL and a creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB) of 78.8 ng/mL. Furthermore, the patient's electrocardiogram demonstrated normal sinus rhythm with no significant changes. Upon cardiac catheterization, his right coronary artery was found to originate from the left coronary cusp. Moreover, the anomalous artery demonstrated significant stenosis in its middle portion, which was presumably causing his elevated cardiac enzymes and anginal chest pain. The patient underwent successful percutaneous coronary intervention and was discharged the following day.

Chest pain caused by left coronary artery spasm in a patient with anomalous origin of right coronary artery

Anomalous origin of coronary artery is rare and important reason of chest pain, syncope, and sudden death in young and middle-aged patients. This case reported a patient with interarterial anomalous right coronary artery and chest pain, which was confirmed to be the result of severe vasospasm of the proximal left anterior descending artery. The patient had reoccurred spontaneous chest pain and the dynamic ST segment and T wave changes at anterior walls. Coronary angiography confirmed left coronary artery spasm. Chest pain was controlled by diltiazem and isosorbide mononitrate. During 3 months of follow-up after discharge, the patient did not have chest pain anymore.

Evaluation of the Ostium in Anomalous Origin of the Right Coronary Artery with an Interarterial Course Using Dynamic Cardiac CT and Implications of Ostial Findings

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to evaluate the ostium of right coronary artery of anomalous origin from the left coronary sinus (AORL) with an interarterial course throughout the cardiac cycle on CT and analyze the clinical significance of the ostial findings.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From January 2011 to December 2015, 68 patients (41 male, 57.3 ± 12.1 years) with AORL with an interarterial course and retrospective cardiac CT data were included. AORL was classified as high or low ostial location based on the pulmonary annulus in the diastolic and systolic phases on cardiac CT. In addition, the height, width, height/width ratio, area, and angle of the ostium were measured in both cardiac phases. After cardiac CT, patients were followed until December 31, 2020 for major adverse cardiac events (MACE). Clinical and CT characteristics associated with MACE were explored using Cox regression analysis.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up period of 2071 days (interquartile range, 1180.5-2747.3 days), 13 patients experienced MACE (19.1%, 13/68). Seven (10.3%, 7/68) had the ostial location change from high in the diastolic phase to low in the systolic phase. In the univariable analysis, younger age (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.918, p < 0.001), high ostial location (HR = 4.008, p = 0.036), larger height/width ratio (HR = 5.621, p = 0.049), and smaller ostial angle (HR = 0.846, p = 0.048) in the systolic phase were significant predictors of MACE. In multivariable cox regression analysis, younger age (adjusted HR = 0.917, p = 0.002) and high ostial location in the systolic phase (adjusted HR = 4.345, p = 0.026) were independent predictors of MACE.

CONCLUSION

The ostial location of AORL with an interarterial course can change during the cardiac cycle, and high ostial location in the systolic phase was an independent predictor of MACE.

Single coronary artery originating from right sinus. Role of MDCT and a review of literature

SCA from the right sinus is the rarest coronary anomaly. We describe 2 cases: 1 with SCA type-1RI; 2 with SCA type-2RII-A. Appropriate and successful treatment (CABG in case-1; PTCA in case-2) was chosen relying on accurate morphological description provided by MDCT, in order to recognize all the possible mechanisms of myocardial ischemia.

Intermittent appearance of right coronary fistula and collateral circulation: A case report

BACKGROUND

Congenital coronary artery fistula can lead to symptoms of chest tightness, chest pain, or exertional dyspnea, which is a congenital vascular malformation that should not be ignored. Patients who have such malformations are frequently observed with different concurrent abnormal anatomic structures. Collateral circulation may have a positive effect on improving the patients' symptoms.

CASE SUMMARY

A 53-year-old female experienced episodic chest discomfort for the past month with symptoms manifesting when she was agitated or overexerted. After a positive treadmill test, the patient underwent coronary angiography. “Ghostlike” intermittent appearance of coronary ventricular fistula and collateral branching were observed. The patient was diagnosed with a right coronary ventricular fistula and collateral circulation.

CONCLUSION

This case shows the likelihood of collateral circulation in patients with coronary artery fistula. This may provide medical staff with novel solutions to treat insufficiency of myocardial blood supply induced by cardiovascular malformations.

Total anomalous origin of the coronary arteries from the pulmonary artery: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Although rare, coronary artery anomalies can have significant clinical implications. Total anomalous origin of the coronary arteries from the pulmonary artery (TCAPA) represents a rare subtype of coronary artery anomaly for which little is known. The aim of this review was to characterise the presentation, utilised diagnostic modalities, associated cardiac lesions, and treatment strategies in patients with TCAPA.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed for cases of TCAPA using PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. Keywords searched included "total anomalous origin of the coronary arteries from the pulmonary artery," "single ostium anomalous coronary artery from the pulmonary artery," and "anomalous origin of both coronary arteries from the pulmonary artery."

RESULTS

Fifty-seven cases of TCAPA were identified in 50 manuscripts. Fifty-eight per cent of patients were male and the median age at presentation was 10 days (mean 1.71 ± 6.6 years, range 0 days-39 years). Most patients were symptomatic at the time of presentation; cyanosis (n = 22) and respiratory distress (n = 14) were the most common symptoms. Cases were most commonly diagnosed at autopsy (n = 26, 45.6%), but operative intervention was pursued in 22 cases (45.6%); aortic re-implantation (n = 14) and a Takeuchi-type repair (n = 7) were the most common routes of repair.

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical presentation of patients with TCAPA was found to be variable, likely related to the presence of associated cardiac lesions. TCAPA should be considered in patients with suspected anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery for the serious consequences that can occur if not promptly corrected.

Potential role of an athlete-focused echocardiogram in sports eligibility

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) of an athlete is a rare but tragic event and sport activity might play a trigger role in athletes with underlying structural or electrical heart diseases. Preparticipation screenings (PPs) have been conceived for the potential to prevent SCD in young athletes by early identification of cardiac diseases. The European Society of Cardiology protocol for PPs includes history collection, physical examination and baseline electrocardiogram, while further examinations are reserved to individuals with abnormalities at first-line evaluation. Nevertheless, transthoracic echocardiography has been hypothesized to have a primary role in the PPs. This review aims to describe how to approach an athlete-focused echocardiogram, highlighting what is crucial to focus on for the different diseases (cardiomyopathies, valvulopathies, congenital heart disease, myocarditis and pericarditis) and when is needed to pay attention to overlap diagnostic zone ("grey zone") with the athlete's heart. Once properly tested, focused echocardiography by sports medicine physicians may become standard practice in larger screening practices, potentially available during first-line evaluation.

Coronary artery disease imaging reporting and data system (CAD-RADS): what radiologists need to know?

The aim of this work is to review Coronary Artery Disease Imaging Reporting and Data System (CAD-RADS) that was designed to standardize reporting language and improve the communication of data among radiologists and clinicians. Stenotic lesions are graded into 5 grades ranging from 0 (no stenosis) to 5 (total occlusion), where the highest grade represents the final score. The expert consensus platform has added 4 special modifiers (non-diagnostic, stent, graft, and vulnerability) to aid patient management through linking these scores with decision algorithm and treatment plan. Adherence to standard imaging protocol; knowledge of normal, variant, and anomalous anatomy; and skillful evaluation of stenosis are important for proper utilization of this reporting system. Lastly, radiologists should be aware of the inherited benefits, limitations, and common pitfalls of this classification system.

Anomalous Left Coronary Artery Arising From Right Coronary Sinus in the Setting of Anterior STEMI

We present the case of a 55-year-old man who had a diagnosis of an acute anterior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Emergency angiography demonstrated that both coronary systems originated from the right coronary sinus with a culprit proximal left anterior descending artery lesion, which was stented. This is a rare presentation, with only 1 similar case found in published reports. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.).

Absent Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery as a Potential Cause of Ischemic Stroke: A Case Report

BACKGROUND Embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) represents 20-30% of ischemic strokes, with a high risk of recurrence. It usually requires an extensive diagnostic evaluation to address the potential etiologies. Coronary artery anomaly (CAA) of the left anterior descending artery (LAD) is uncommon, and it is known to be linked to myocardial complications. The association of this anomaly with ischemic strokes has not been reported yet. Here, we report on a rare case of a young patient with hypoplastic LAD complicated by an impaired ventricular function that resulted in left ventricular (LV) thrombus formation as a source of recurrent ischemic strokes. CASE REPORT A 36-year-old man had a 4-year history of recurrent strokes despite maintaining antiplatelet treatment. He had no pre-existing vascular risk factors or relevant family history. The initial stroke etiology work-up was inconclusive. A transesophageal echocardiogram showed moderate ventricular hypokinesia. A coronary angiogram was initiated, and a hypoplastic (LAD) artery anomaly was found. At first, the antiplatelet therapy was maintained. Later on, he presented with transient focal neurological symptoms indicative of a transient ischemic attack. Repeated echocardiograms detected left ventricular thrombus. Apixaban was started, with successful thrombus resolution in a one-month follow-up echocardiogram. He has not had a further recurrent ischemic event for 18 months. CONCLUSIONS This case suggests that CAAs might be considered as an associated etiology of ESUS in a young patient with recurrent cerebral events. In a clinical setting, we encourage early use of advanced cerebral and cardiac imaging modalities to accurately determine the stroke etiology, target the appropriate treatment, and prevent a further neurological sequel.

Case report: echocardiographic detection of rare single coronary artery anomaly in a child with an atrial septal defect

Background

A single right coronary artery (RCA) with the left anterior descending (LAD) and circumflex coronary arteries located in the usual anatomic position and supplied by collaterals is the rarest variant of single RCA.

Case summary

We report a paediatric patient with an incidental finding of single RCA Lipton type RI pattern during assessment for transcatheter device closure of an ostium secundum atrial septal defect (secASD). Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) revealed a dilated RCA, abnormal flow in the LAD, and no identifiable left main coronary artery. Diagnosis of a single RCA was confirmed with angiography. Dobutamine stress echocardiography revealed no inducible ischaemia. Transcatheter device closure of the secASD was subsequently successfully performed.

Discussion

TTE in paediatric patients can raise suspicion of coronary artery origin anomalies. Additional modalities, such as computed tomography and angiography, are required to comprehensively determine coronary artery anatomy. Functional assessment of ventricular function is also indicated. Coronary artery anatomy is important to delineate prior to transcatheter device closure of a secASD and should be part of the pre-procedure assessment.

A Case of Pediatric Heart Failure Caused by Anomalous Origin of the Left Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery: Case Report and Literature Review

A female patient aged 3 months and 10 days was admitted to the cardiology department because of symptoms of heart failure. According to the echocardiography results, the patient received a diagnosis of primary endocardial fibroelastosis and was treated with γ-globulin, prednisone, digoxin, and diuretics. Coronary computed tomographic angiography and coronary angiography were performed as there was no improvement after 2 months of treatment. Finally, the patient received a diagnosis of anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA). ALCAPA is a rare congenital heart defect that can cause severe heart failure during infancy, and is easily misdiagnosed clinically. In this report, we show the process of misdiagnosis of the case and consult the relevant literature, hoping to improve the understanding and early diagnosis of ALCAPA.

Sudden Death and Coronary Artery Anomalies

Congenital coronary artery anomalies (CAA) include a wide spectrum of malformations present at birth with various clinical manifestations and degrees of severity. Patients may be asymptomatic, and CAA may be an incidental finding during cardiac imaging or at autopsy. However, in other cases, ischemia-related signs and symptoms, leading to an increased risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD), often as first presentation may occur. In this chapter, we discuss the normal anatomy of the coronary arteries (CA) and the pathology of CAA at risk of SCD, including our experience with victims of SCD among the young population (age <40 years) and among athletes.

Novel coronary artery anomaly in a French bulldog with pulmonary stenosis

A 9-month-old French Bulldog with pulmonary stenosis (PS) underwent transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and electrocardiogram-gated coronary computed tomography angiography (ECG-CCTA) for presurgical planning of pulmonary balloon valvuloplasty (PBV). Transthoracic echocardiography revealed severe PS and identified two distinct coronary ostia (left and right). Electrocardiogram-gated coronary computed tomography angiography showed a circumpulmonary course of the interventricular paraconal coronary artery, which abnormally originated from the right coronary artery. Based on this case report, the echocardiographic identification of two coronary ostia does not rule out a coronary artery anomaly with circumpulmonary course (as previously hypothesized), and coronary computed tomography angiography may be recommended for presurgical planning of PBV in French Bulldogs.

Echocardiographic Screening of Anomalous Origin of Coronary Arteries in Athletes with a Focus on High Take-Off

Anomalous aortic origin of coronary arteries (AAOCA) represents a rare congenital heart disease. However, this disease is the second most common cause of sudden cardiac death in apparently healthy athletes. The aim of this systematic review is to analyze the feasibility and the detection rate of AAOCA by echocardiography in children and adults. A literature search was performed within the National Library of Medicine using the following keywords: coronary artery origin anomalies and echocardiography; then, the search was redefined by adding the keywords: athletes, children, and high take-off. Nine echocardiographic studies investigating AAOCA and a total of 33,592 children and adults (age range: 12–49 years) were included in this review. Of these, 6599 were athletes (12–49 years). All studies demonstrated a high feasibility and accuracy of echocardiography for the evaluation of coronary arteries origin as well as their proximal tracts. However, some limitations exist: the incidence of AAOCA varied from 0.09% to 0.39% (up to 0.76%) and was lower than described in computed tomography series (0.3–1.8%). Furthermore, echocardiographic views for the evaluation of AAOCA and the definition of “minor” defects (e.g., high take-off coronary arteries) have not been standardized. An echocardiographic protocol to diagnose the high take-off of coronary arteries is proposed in this article. In conclusion, the screening of AAOCA by echocardiography is feasible and accurate when appropriate examinations are performed; however, specific acoustic windows and definitions of defects other than AAOCA need to be standardized to improve sensitivity and specificity.

Sudden Cardiac Death in Athletes: From the Basics to the Practical Work-Up

Sudden cardiac death in athletes is a relatively rare event, but due to the increasing number of individuals practicing high-performance sports, in absolute terms, it has become an important issue to be addressed. Since etiologies are many and the occurrence is rare, tracing the ideal preparticipation screening program is challenging. So far, as screening tools, a comprehensive clinical evaluation and a simple 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) seem to be the most cost-effective strategy. Recent technological advances came to significantly help as second-line investigation tools, especially the cardiac magnetic resonance, which allows for a more detailed ventricular evaluation, cardiac tissue characterization, and eliminates the poor acoustic window problem. This article aims to review all aspects related to sudden cardiac death in athletes, beginning with definitions and epidemiology, passing through etiology and clinical characteristics, then finishing with a discussion about the best ambulatory investigational approach.

Extremely Hyperdominant LAD Supplying the Anterior, Inferior, and Lateral Walls of the Left Ventricle

Hyperdominant left anterior descending artery (LAD) is a rare anomaly in which the LAD gives rise to the posterior descending artery. Our case report describes an extreme case of hyperdominant LAD supplying the anterior, inferior, and partially the lateral walls of the left ventricle. It is crucial that physicians be aware of the possibility of extreme LAD dominance. A proximal occlusion of such a vessel might have catastrophic consequences with atypical presentation on electrocardiogram.

Unique case of duplex interventricular branching from the left coronary artery

We report a rare morphological variant of the left coronary artery in this case of a female embalmed cadaver, where in the heart was nourished by double anterior and posterior interventricular arteries. These were branches of the left coronary artery and it was also observed that distribution of right coronary artery was very limited. The deceased may have been without symptoms in her life, but a prior knowledge of this kind of presentation would be very much informative to the interventional cardiologist and cardiothoracic surgeons in their protocol of treatment. This has implications for the coronary angiography and subsequent management of the ischemic heart disease.

Computed Tomography Angiographic Features of Anomalous Origination of the Coronary Arteries in Adult Patients: A Literature Review and Coronary Computed Tomography Angiographic Illustrations

Computed tomography angiography not only detects atherosclerotic coronary artery disease but also helps delineate the anomalous coronary arterial anatomy that may be more than just an incidental finding and could contribute to patients' symptomatology. Additionally, identification of coronary artery anomalies is clinically significant for preoperative planning and optimizing the approach for coronary catheterizations or surgical treatments. In this work, we review rare origination anomalies of coronary arteries and illustrate their characteristics through computed tomography images.

Techniques for Imaging Vascular Supply of Peripheral Nerves

Few studies have been developed to map the vascular structures feeding peripheral nerves, with the majority using cadaveric models and inadequate sample sizes. Preliminary evidence, while limited, indicates that the mapping of these vessels may allow or preclude certain procedures in nerve reconstruction due to the location of essential arterial inflow to the vasa nervorum. This review evaluates the evidence regarding historical, current, and emerging techniques for visualizing these vascular structures in vivo and considers their potential application in peripheral nerve vasculature.

A Rare Presentation of Angina and Arrhythmia in Absent Left Main Coronary Artery

Coronary artery anomalies (CAAs) are congenital disorders with multiple variations in the number, shape, and location of the Ostia of the coronary arterial system. The congenitally absent left main coronary artery (LMCA) is a rare anomaly that can present with benign or fatal complications ahead in life. Diagnosis and management of CAAs are sometimes challenging in low-risk patients.

We present a unique case report of a 69-year-old Hispanic female who presented to the hospital with exercise-induced arrhythmia and angina symptoms. The patient complained of several episodes of chest pain, dizziness, and palpitations for a duration of two months. Electrocardiogram (EKG) and nuclear stress tests were equivocal. The angiogram revealed the separate origin of the left anterior descending artery (LAD) and left circumflex coronary artery (LCX) from the left coronary sinus. This anomaly should be considered in differentials when evaluating patients with angina symptoms.

Congenital absence of LMCA is a rare condition that remains asymptomatic in the majority of the cases. It can present with exertional chest pain, palpitations, syncope, and sudden cardiac death (SCD). Occurrences of angina and arrhythmia should be carefully evaluated, and symptoms should be followed up closely. A coronary angiogram and electrophysiological testing can assist in the diagnosis.

Coronary plaque burden of the left anterior descending artery in patients with or without myocardial bridge: A case-control study based on coronary CT-angiography

BACKGROUND

The clinical significance of myocardial bridging (MB) on the left anterior descending artery (LAD) is debated. We aimed to assess the association between MB and LAD plaque volumes/compositions in a case-control set up.

METHODS

In our retrospective analysis we investigated 50 cases with incidentally recognized LAD MB and 50 matched controls without LAD MB on coronary computed tomography angiography. We quantified plaque volumes proximal to the MB and beneath it in patients with MB and in the corresponding coronary segments in patients without MB.

RESULTS

In total, we have included 100 patients (mean age 60.6 ± 10.8 years, males: 80%). Plaque volume was similar in the LAD segments proximal to the MB in cases vs. controls (150.0 mm³ [IQR: 90.7-194.5 mm³] vs. 132.8 mm³ [IQR: 94.2-184.3 mm³], respectively; p = 0.95) while the plaque volume was smaller beneath LAD MB vs. control segment (16.2 mm³ [IQR: 12.6-25.8 mm³] vs. 21.1 mm³ [IQR: 14.0-42.4 mm³], respectively; p = 0.002). No significant differences were found regarding different plaque components in segments proximal to the MB while fatty plaque and necrotic core volumes were smaller or negligible in coronary segment beneath MB than in controls (0.07 mm³ [IQR: 0.005-0.27 mm³] vs. 12.7 mm³ [IQR: 7.4-24.4 mm³] and 0.00 mm³ [IQR: 0.00-0.04 mm³] vs. 0.06 mm³ [IQR: 0.03-2.8 mm³], respectively (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Comparing patients with MB vs. matched controls without it, MB was not associated with increased plaque volumes in LAD segment proximal to MB and plaque quantity was smaller in the MB segment. Our data are supportive of benign nature of incidentally recognized LAD MB.

Influence of malformation of right coronary artery originating from the left sinus in hemodynamic environment

Background

The anomalous origin of the right coronary artery (RCA) from the left coronary artery sinus (AORL) is one of the abnormal origins of the coronary arteries. Most of these issues rarely have any effects on human health, but some individuals may exhibit symptoms, such as myocardial ischemia or even sudden death. Recently, researchers have investigated the AORL through clinical cases, but studies based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) have rarely been reported. In this study, the hemodynamic changes between the normal origin of the RCA and the AORL are compared based on numerical simulation results.

Methods

Realistic three-dimensional (3D) models of the 16 normal right coronary arteries and 26 abnormal origins of the RCAs were constructed, respectively. The blood flow was numerically simulated using the ANSYS software. This study used a one-way fluid–solid coupling finite element model, wherein the blood is assumed to be an incompressible Newtonian fluid, and the vessel is assumed to be made of an isotropic linear elastic material.

Results

The cross-sectional area differences between the inlet of the normal group and that of the abnormal group were significant (P < 0.0001). Moreover, there were significant differences in the volumetric flow (P = 0.0001) and pressure (P = 0.0002). Positive correlation exists for the ratio of the cross-sectional area of the RCA to the inlet area of the ascending aorta (AAO), and the ratio of the inlet volumetric flow of the RCA to the volumetric flow of the AAO, in the normal (P = 0.0001, r = 0.8178) and abnormal (P = 0.0033, r = 0.6107) groups.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that the cross-sectional area of the AORL inlet may cause ischemia symptoms. The results obtained by this study may contribute to the further understanding of the clinical symptoms of the AORL based on the hemodynamics.