High Prevalence of Anatomical Variations and Anomalies of the Coronary Arteries Detected by CT Angiography in Symptomatic Patients

Objective:Coronary artery anatomical variations and anomalies are an important topic due to their potential clinical manifestations.This study aims to investigate the prevalence of coronary artery anatomical variations and anomalies in symptomatic patients with coronary computed tomography angiography(CCTA).Methods:This is a retrospective study that included all symptomatic patients who had CCTA in a tertiary care hospital in Saudi Arabia during a period of seven years.Results:The total number of included patients was 507(60%males)with a mean age of 57.4 years.Approximately 41%had luminal stenoses,averaging 49.7%.The total num-ber of patients with coronary anatomical variations(CAV)and coronary artery anomalies(CAA)was 217(43%).CAV prevalence was 26%,which included 14%non-right coronary dominance,5%short left main coronary artery(LMCA),and 7%division variations(trifurcation and quadrifurcarion)of the LMCA.The prevalence of CAA was 29%,which included 5%origin anomalies,22%myocardial bridge,and 2%course anomalies.Conclusions:A high prevalence of coronary artery anatomic variations and anomalies in symptomatic patients is reported in this study.Systematic reviews,meta-analyses,reporting guidelines,and unified definitions and classifications of cor-onary variations and anomalies are lacking in the literature,presenting potential opportunities for future research and publications.

Coronary Artery Patterns in Diabetic Patients Undergoing Diagnostic Coronary Angiography-Data from a Major Cardiac Center in Yemen

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is independently associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity, including coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD is a shared burden disease and the leading cause of death in developed and developing countries. We aimed to assess the angiographic patterns of coronary arteries in patients with DM in a developing country (Yemen) as the first study. Methods: This study is a cross-sectional, prospective, observational study that includes a total of 250 patients who were admitted for elective diagnostic coronary angiography. Results: 96 (38.4%) patients were diabetics;68% were male;mean age was 57 ± 11 years. The incidence of three-vessel disease was 31.2% of patients. Considering the severity of lumen occlusion, (11.2%) of patients had non-significant lesions, (37.6%) of patients had significant lesions, and (32%) had total occlusive lesions. Lesions were of LAD in 76%, RCA in 60%, and LCX in 52% of the population. Among diabetics, two and 3-vessel diseases (33.3% vs. 20.8% & 50% vs. 19.5%, P = 0.001), left main lesion (10.4% vs. 2.6%, P = 0.012), significant stenosis (41.7% vs. 35.1%, P = 0.032), total occlusion of coronary arteries (43.8% vs. 19.5%, P = 0.032) and type C lesion (66.7% vs. 35.1%, P = 0.010) were more frequent than non-DM patients. Conclusion: The burden of significant and severe coronary lesions is more common among DM, which may be the major cause of morbidity and mortality of DM in developing countries.

Portal venous gas complication following coronary angiography:A case report

BACKGROUND Portal vein gas(PVG)is an abnormal accumulation of gas within the portal and intrahepatic portal veins.It is associated with various abdominal diseases,ranging from benign conditions to life-threatening ones that require immediate surgical intervention.Coronary angiography is the standard diagnostic procedure for coronary artery disease.There were no prior reports are available of PVG as a complication of coronary angiography.CASE SUMMARY In the specific case described here,the patient did not show signs of peritoneal irritation;however,computed tomography scans findings revealed pneumatosis in the wall of the small intestine,hepatic portal vein,and mesenteric vein,along with acute enteritis(etiology pending classification).A cesarean section was not performed,and the patient received treatment with fasting,rehydration,and antiinfection therapy.Subsequently,the patient's symptoms of abdominal distension and pain improved,and follow-up computed tomography scans indicated resolution of the portal system pneumatosis and intestinal wall edema,resulting in a favorable clinical outcome.CONCLUSION Portal venous gas complication following coronary angiography was a complication of coronary angiography.

Congenital anomalies of coronary artery misdiagnosed as coronary dilatations in Kawasaki disease:A clinical predicament

BACKGROUND 2D-echocardiography(2DE)has been the primary imaging modality in children with Kawasaki disease(KD)to assess coronary arteries.AIM To report the presence and implications of incidental congenital coronary artery anomalies that had been misinterpreted as coronary artery abnormalities(CAAs)on 2DE.METHODS Records of children diagnosed with KD,who underwent computed tomography coronary angiography(CTCA)at our center between 2013-2023 were reviewed.We identified 3 children with congenital coronary artery anomalies in this cohort on CTCA.Findings of CTCA and 2DE were compared in these 3 children.RESULTS Of the 241 patients with KD who underwent CTCA,3(1.24%)had congenital coronary artery anomalies on CTCA detected incidentally.In all 3 patients,baseline 2DE had identified CAAs.CTCA was then performed for detailed evaluation as per our unit protocol.One(11-year-boy)amongst the 3 patients had complete KD,while the other two(3.3-year-boy;4-month-girl)had incomplete KD.CTCA revealed separate origins of left anterior descending artery and left circumflex from left sinus[misinterpreted as dilated left main coronary artery(LCA)on 2DE],single coronary artery(interpreted as dilated LCA on 2DE)and dilated right coronary artery on 2DE in case of anomalous origin of LCA from the main pulmonary artery.The latter one was subsequently operated upon.CONCLUSION CTCA is essential for detailed assessment of coronary arteries in children with KD especially in cases where there is suspicion of congenital coronary artery anomalies.Relying solely on 2DE may not be sufficient in such cases,and findings from CTCA can significantly impact therapeutic decision-making.

3.0T MR Coronary Angiography after Arterial Switch Operation for Transposition of The Great Arteries-Gd-FLASH Versus Non-Enhanced SSFP.A Feasibility Study

Background:Patency of the coronary arteries is an issue after reports of sudden cardiac death in patients with transposition of the great arteries(TGA)operated with arterial switch(ASO).Recent studies give rise to concern regarding the use of ionising radiation in congenital heart disease,and assessment of the coronary arteries with coronary MR angiography(CMRA)might be an attractive non-invasive,non-ionising imaging alternative in these patients.Theoretically,the use of 3.0T CMRA should improve the visualisation of the coronary arteries.The objective of this study was to assess feasibility of 3.0T CMRA at the coronary artery origins by comparing image quality with non-contrast CMRA in ASO TGA patients to healthy age-matched controls,and by comparing image quality with non-contrast CMRA to contrast enhanced CMRA in the patient group.Material and methods:Twelve patients,9-15 years(mean 11.9 years,standard deviation 1.5 years),and 12 age-matched controls(mean 12.7 years,standard deviation 1.7 years)were examined with 3D balanced steady-state free precession(SSFP).Nine of twelve patients had Gadolinium-enhanced fast low-angle shot(Gd-FLASH)performed after SSFP.Image quality at the coronary artery origins was evaluated subjectively with a 10 cm figurative visual analogue scale(fVAS)and objectively by signal-to-noise and contrast-to-noise ratio(SNR,CNR).Results:All,but one,coronary artery origins were identified.No significant difference in image quality scores was found between patients and controls with SSFP(mean values 6.5 cm—9.1 cm in patients and 7.0 cm—8.0 cm in controls,p-values>0.1).With SSFP,intra-observer fVAS mean score was 6.7 cm—8.6 cm and with Gd-FLASH 7.7 cm—8.7 cm.CNR was higher with Gd-FLASH(p<0.03).Intra-observer agreement index(AI)with SSFP was moderate-to-good(0.43–0.71)and with Gd-FLASH good(0.64–0.79)in all origins.Inter-observer AI was good in the left main stem(LMS)with SSFP(0.65).With Gd-FLASH inter-observer AI was good in LMS(0.78)and moderate(0.5)in the left anterior descending artery,but lacking in the other origins though with a good agreement on Bland-Altman plots.Conclusions:Our findings indicate a better,more reproducible image quality with Gd-FLASH than with non-contrast SSFP CMRA on 3.0T for evaluation of the coronary artery origins in ASO TGA children and adolescents.

Arterial Supply of Atrioventricular Node and Bundle in Relation to Degree of Stenosis of Coronary Artery among Sudanese Population (Coronary Angiography Study)

The coronary arteries diseases are one of the most causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide, particularly in the developing countries. Coronary obstructions are generally described by location and severity of stenosis. Manual tracing and measurement of the stenosis vessel in comparison to reference location of stenosis can be helpful to classify whether a lesion is significant or not. The aim of this study is to identify the dominant type of circulation carried out in patients presented in heart institute and associated with degree of stenosis in RCA and LAD artery. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study carried out on patients reporting to Heart Institute from June 2013 to August 2013 (311 patients records as a total coverage were collected as sample) whose coronary artery angiography revealed pathology in coronary arteries. Result: The findings were 71.7% right dominant, 23.5% left dominant and 4.8% co-dominant;LAD tends to be stricture with right dominant circulation type. LAD artery tends to be stenosis at proximal and mid segment while in the RCA tends to be stenosis in mid and distal segments. The right dominant artery is popular type of circulation in Sudanese people reported in Sudan Heart Institute;there is no significance association between gender and arterial type of circulation and also degree stenosis in LAD degree of stenosis in RCA. I observed that the site of stenosis in LAD artery was proximal and mid (P value < 0.05 significance association). Conclusion: Patients present at the heart institute are right dominant mostly coming with proximal and middle LAD stenosis unlike RCA which commonly presents with distal and middle stenosis, so the middle segment of coronary artery is stenosis in both situations. There are wild variations in dominance artery in relation to reduction of diameter in deferent ethic group. There are no significant associations between the gender and dominant artery.

Diagnostic accuracy of a deep learning approach to calculate FFR from coronary CT angiography

Background The computational fluid dynamics(CFD)approach has been frequently applied to compute the fractional flow reserve(FFR)using computed tomography angiography(CTA).This technique is efficient.We developed the DEEPVESSEL-FFR platform using the emerging deep learning technique to calculate the FFR value out of CTA images in five minutes.This study is to evaluate the DEEPVESSEL-FFR platform using the emerging deep learning technique to calculate the FFR value from CTA images as an efficient method.Methods A single-center,prospective study was conducted and 63 patients were enrolled for the evaluation of the diagnostic performance of DEEPVESSEL-FFR.Automatic quantification method for the three-dimensional coronary arterial geometry and the deep learning based prediction of FFR were developed to assess the ischemic risk of the stenotic coronary arteries.Diagnostic performance of the DEEPVESSEL-FFR was assessed by using wire-based FFR as reference standard.The primary evaluation factor was defined by using the area under receiver-operation characteristics curve(AUC)analysis.Results For per-patient level,taking the cut-off value<0.8 referring to the FFR measurement,DEEPVESSEL-FFR presented higher diagnostic performance in determining ischemia-related lesions with area under the curve of 0.928 compare to CTA stenotic severity 0.664.DEEPVESSEL-FFR correlated with FFR(R=0.686,P<0.001),with a mean di&ference of-0.006士0.0091(P=0.619).The secondary evaluation factors,indicating per vessel accuracy,sensitivity,specificity,positive predictive value,and negative predictive value were 87.3%,97.14%,75%,82.93%,and 95.45%,respectively.Conclusion DEEPVESSEL-FFR is a novel method that allows efficient assessment of the functional significance of coronary stenosis.

Feasibility and accuracy of coronary imaging in elderly patients using the 64-row multi-detector computed tomography: a correlation study with conventional coronary angiography

Background Elderly patients generally have higher occurrence of coronary calcification, increased heart rate and difficulty with prolonged breath-holding. The aim of our study was to investigate the feasibility and accuracy of using 64-row multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) in the assessment of coronary artery stenoses in elderly patients. Methods One hundred and fifty two patients with suspected or known coronary artery disease were divided into 4 groups according to their age (Group A: 40-49 years,n=34; Group B: 50-59 years, n=57; Group C: 60-69 years, n=48; Group D: 70 years and above; n=13). Coronary CT angiography (CTA) using a 64-row MDCT was performed and the findings were compared with that of conventional coronary angiography (CCA).Using axial images, multi-planar reconstructions (MPR) and maximum intensity projections (MIP), coronary segments of lumen diameter = 1.5mm were analyzed for the presence of significant stenosis (= 50% ). Results Percentages of poor image quality from coronary CTA preventing reliable correlations with CCA were 21%, 14%, 19% and 62% in Groups A to D respectively. Patients in Group D had significantly higher calcium scores compared with the other groups (P＜0.001). In patients where CTA images were of acceptable quality, percentages of accurate correlations with CCA were 89.8%, 93.4%, 86.6% and 78.0% for Groups A to D respectively.There were no significant difference in serum creatinine, heart rate and contrast volume between the 4 groups. Conclusions The 64-row MDCT coronary angiography was less accurate and feasible for patients aged 70 years or above due to heavy coronary calcification and inability to perform a satisfactory breath-hold. However, a high diagnostic accuracy with the MDCT is possible in patients aged less than 70 years.

Multislice computed tomography angiography in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease

Multislice CT angiography represents one of the most exciting technological revolutions in cardiac imaging and it has been increasingly used in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease. Rapid improvements in multislice CT scanners over the last decade have allowed this technique to become a potentially effective alternative to invasive coronary angiography in patients with suspected coronary artery disease. High diagnostic value has been achieved with multislice CT angiography with use of 64- and more slice CT scanners. In addition, multislice CT angiography shows accurate detection and analysis of coronary calcium, characterization of coronary plaques, as well as prediction of the disease progression and major cardiac events. Thus, patients can benefit from multislice CT angiography that provides a rapid and accurate diagnosis while avoiding unnecessary invasive coronary angiography procedures. The aim of this article is present an overview of the clinical applications of multislice CT angiography in coronary artery disease with a focus on the diagnostic accuracy of coronary artery disease; prognostic value of coronary artery disease with regard to the prediction of major cardiac events; detection and quantification of coronary calcium and characterization of coronary plaques. Limitations of multislice CT angiography in coronary artery disease are also briefly discussed, and future directions are highlighted.

Comparison of 16 slice multi-detector computed tomography and breath hold 3D magnetic resonance angiography in the detection of coronary stenosis

Objective To compare 16-slice multi-detector spiral computed tomography (MDCT) and breathhold 3D magnetic resonance (MR) coronary angiography in the visualization of coronary arteries and the accuracy of detecting significant (＞ 50%) coronary stenoses in patients with suspected coronary artery disease. Methods Forty patients were examined by 16-slice CT (GE, Lightspeedl6)and MR (GE,Twinspeed) within 3 days; 31 of them underwent conventional coronary angiography (CAG) within 2 weeks after CT and MR scan. CT was performed with 16× 1.25 mm detector collimation, 0.5 s rotation time and images were reconstructed at 60%-75% of the cardiac cycle. MR was performed with breath hold 3D FIESTA (TR4.0 ms, TE1.7 ms, flip angle 65, slice thickness 3 mm, FOV 280 mm, matrix 256× 192). Mean heart rate was 63 ± 5.8 bpm and β-blocker was used in 24 patients. MR and CT image quality was evaluated in 9 coronary segments (RCA1, RCA2, RCA3, LM, LAD1, LAD2, LAD3, LCX1, LCX2) using a four-point grading scale.Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy were calculated for detection of significant stenosis using CAG as the gold standard. Results 16-slice CT showed higher image quality in most coronary segments except RCA2.Forty-three segments were diagnosed as significant stenosis by CAG, 36 and 27 of these were correctly detected by CT and MR respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 16-slice CT and MR for detecting significant stenosis were 83 %, 84 %, 49 %, 97 % and 63 %, 90 %, 55 %, 93 %, respectively. Conclusion Sixteen-slice CT showed higher image quality in most coronary segments excepted for middle RCA. 16-slice CT had higher sensitivity than MR for detection of coronary significant stenosis, whereas MR had higher specificity than CT. Both CT and MR showed high negative predictive value,which is useful for excluding coronary stenosis in symptomatic patients.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Three-Dimensional Whole-Heart Magnetic Resonance Angiography to Detect Coronary Artery Disease with Invasive Coronary Angiography as a Reference:A Meta-Analysis

Objective:We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of three-dimensional whole-heart magnetic resonance coronary angiography(MRCA)in detecting coronary artery disease(CAD)with invasive coronary angiography as the reference standard.Methods:We searched PubMed and Embase for studies evaluating the diagnostic performance of three-dimensional whole-heart MRCA for the diagnosis of CAD with invasive coronary angiography as the reference standard.The bivariate mixed-effects regression model was applied to synthesize available data.The clinical utility of whole-heart MRCA was calculated by the posttest probability based on Bayes’s theorem.Results:Eighteen studies were included,of which 16 provided data at the artery level.Patient-based analysis revealed a pooled sensitivity of 0.90(95%confi dence interval[CI]0.87–0.93)and specifi city of 0.79(95%CI 0.73–0.84),while the pooled estimates were 0.86(95%CI 0.82–0.89)and 0.89(95%CI 0.84–0.92),respectively,at the artery level.The areas under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve were 0.93(95%CI 0.90–0.95)and 0.92(95%CI 0.90–0.94)at the patient and artery levels,respectively.With a pretest probability of 50%,the patients’posttest probabilities of CAD were 81%for positive results and 11%for negative results.Conclusions:Whole-heart MRCA can be an alternative noninvasive method for diagnosis and assessment of CAD.

Coronary CT angiography:Dose reduction strategies

Coronary computed tomography(CT)angiography has been increasingly used in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease due to improved spatial and temporal resolution with high diagnostic value being reported when compared to invasive coronary angiography.Diagnostic performance of coronary CT angiography has been significantly improved with the technological developments in multislice CT scanners from the early generation of 4-slice CT to the latest 320-slice CT scanners.Despite the promising diagnostic value,coronary CT angiography is still limited in some areas,such as inferior temporal resolution,motion-related artifacts and high false positive results due to severe calcification.The aim of this review is to present an overview of the technical developments of multislice CT and diagnostic value of coronary CT angiography in coronary artery disease based on different generations of multislice CT scanners.Prognostic value of coronary CT angiography in coronary artery disease is also discussed,while limitations and challenges of coronary CT angiography are highlighted.

Coronary CT angiography:Beyond morphological stenosis analysis

With the introduction of 64- and post-64 slice computed tomography(CT)technology,coronary CT angiography has been increasingly used as a less invasive modality for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease.Despite its high diagnostic value and promising results compared to invasive coronary angiography,coronary CT angiography is associated with high radiation dose,leading to potential risk of radiation-induced cancer.A variety of dose-reduction strategies have been reported recently to reduce radiation dose with effective outcomes having been achieved.This article presents an overview of the various methods currently used for radiation dose reduction.

Coronary angiography findings in cardiac arrest patients with non-diagnostic post-resuscitation electrocardiogram:A comparison of shockable and non-shockable initial rhythms

AIM To investigate the impact of coronary artery disease in a cohort of patients resuscitated from cardiac arrest with non-diagnostic electrocardiogram.METHODS From March 2004 to February 2016, 203 consecutive patients resuscitated from in or out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest and non-diagnostic post-resuscitation electrocardiogram(defined as ST segment elevation or pre-sumably new left bundle branch block) whounderwent invasive coronary angiogram during hospitalization were included. For purpose of analysis and comparison, patients were classified in two groups: Initial shockable rhythm(ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation; n = 148, 72.9%) and initial non-shockable rhythm(n = 55, 27.1%). Baseline characteristics, coronary angiogram findings including Syntax Score and long-term survival rates were compared. RESULTS Sudden cardiac arrest was witnessed in 95.2% of cases, 66.7% were out-of-hospital patients and 72.4% were male. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between groups except for higher mean age(68.1 years vs 61 years, P = 0.001) in the nonshockable rhythm group. Overall 5-year mortality of the resuscitated patients was 37.4%. Patients with non-shockable rhythms had higher mortality(60% vs 29.1%, P < 0.001) and a worst neurological status at hospital discharge based on cerebral performance category score(CPC 1-2: 32.7% vs 53.4%, P = 0.02). Although there were no significant differences in global burden of coronary artery disease defined by Syntax Score(mean Syntax Score: 10.2 vs 10.3, P = 0.96) there was a trend towards a higher incidence of acute coronary lesions in patients with shockable rhythm(29.7% vs 16.4%, P = 0.054). There was also a higher need for ad-hoc percutaneous coronary intervention in this group(21.9% vs 9.1%, P = 0.03). CONCLUSION Initial shockable group of patients had a trend towards higher incidence of acute coronary lesions and higher need of ad-hoc percutaneous intervention vs nonshockable group.

Radiation dose measurements in coronary CT angiography

Coronary computed tomography(CT)angiography has been recognized as the most rapidly developed imaging technique in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease due to the emergence and technological advances in multislice CT scanners.Coronary CT angiography has been confirmed to demonstrate high diagnostic and predictive value in coronary artery disease when compared to invasive coronary angiography.However,it suffers from high radiation dose which raises concerns in the medical field.Various dose-reduction strategies have been proposed with effective outcomes having been achieved to reduce radiation exposure to patients.This article provides an introduction and overview of the series of articles that will focus on each particular topic related to coronary CT angiography.

Plaque imaging with CT coronary angiography:Effect of intra-vascular attenuation on plaque type classification

AIM: To assess the attenuation of non-calcified atherosclerotic coronary artery plaques with computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA). METHODS: Four hundred consecutive patients underwent CTCA (Group 1: 200 patients, Sensation 64 Cardiac, Siemens; Group 2: 200 patients, VCT GE Healthcare, with either Iomeprol 400 or Iodixanol 320, respectively) for suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). CTCA was performed using standard protocols. Image quality (score 0-3), plaque (within the accessible non-calcified component of each non-calcified/mixed plaque) and coronary lumen attenuation were measured. Data were compared on a per-segment/per-plaque basis. Plaques were classified as fibrous vs lipid rich based on different attenuation thresholds. A P < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: In 468 atherosclerotic plaques in Group 1 and 644 in Group 2, average image quality was 2.96 ± 0.19 in Group 1 and 2.93 ± 0.25 in Group 2 (P ≥ 0.05). Coronary lumen attenuation was 367 ± 85 Hounsfield units (HU) in Group 1 and 327 ± 73 HU in Group 2 (P < 0.05); non-calcified plaque attenuation was 48 ± 23 HU in Group 1 and 39 ± 21 HU in Group 2 (P < 0.05). Overall signal to noise ratio was 15.6 ± 4.7 in Group 1 and 21.2 ± 7.7 in Group 2 (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Higher intra-vascular attenuation modifies significantly the attenuation of non-calcified coronary plaques. This results in a more difficult characterization between lipid rich vs fibrous type.

Congenital coronary artery anomalies silent until geriatric age： non-invasive assessment, angiography tips, and treatment

Coronary artery anomalies （CAAs） may be discovered more often as incidental findings during the normal diagnostic process for other cardiac diseases or less frequently on the basis of manifestations of myocardial ischemia. The cardiovascular professional may be involved in their angiographic diagnosis, fimctional assessment and eventual endovascular treatment. A complete angiographic definition is mandatory in order to understand the functional effects and plan any intervention in CAAs： computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are useful non-invasive tools to detect three-dimensional morphology of the anomalies and its relationships with contiguous cardiac structures, whereas coronary arteriography remains the gold standard for a definitive anatomic picture. A practical idea of the possible functional sig- nificance is mandatory for deciding how to manage CAAs： non-invasive stress tests and in particular the invasive pharmacological stress tests with or without intravascular ultrasound monitoring can assess correctly the functional significance of the most CAAs. Finally, the knowledge of the particular endovascular techniques and material is of paramount importance for achieving technical and clinical success. CAAs represent a complex issue, which rarely involve the cardiovascular professional at different levels. A timely practical knowledge of the main issues regarding CAAs is important in the management of such entities.

Coronary artery occlusion after arterial switch operation in an asymptomatic 15-year-old boy

A 15-year-old boy with transposition of the great arteries(TGA) and neonatal arterial switch operation(ASO) presented with complete occlusion of the left main coronary artery(LMCA). Intra-operatively, an intramural left coronary artery was identified. Therefore, since age 7 years he had a series of screening exercise stress tests. At 13 years old, he had 3 to 4 mm ST segment depression in the infero-lateral leads without symptoms. This progressed to 4.2 mm inferior ST segment depression at 15 years old with normal stress echocardiogram. Sestamibi myocardial perfusion scan and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was inconclusive. Therefore, a coronary angiogram was obtained which showed complete occlusion of the LMCA with ample collateralization from the right coronary artery system. This was later confirmed on a computed tomogram(CT) angiogram, obtained in preparation of coronary artery bypass grafting. The case illustrates the difficulty of detecting coronary artery stenosis and occlusion in young patients with rich collateralization. Coronary CT angiogram and conventional angiography were the best imaging modalities to detect coronary anomalies in this adolescent with surgically corrected TGA. Screening CT angiography may be warranted for TGA patients, particularly for those with known coronary anomalies.

Myocardial bridging analysis by coronary computed tomographic angiography in a Saudi population

AIM: To assess the incidence, location, morphology and clinical association of myocardial bridging in a Saudi population using coronary computed tomographic angiography(CCTA). METHODS: A total of 350 CCTA of Saudi patients were included in this study(236 men, 114 women) with a mean age of 56.3 years. All patients were examined for appropriateness criteria of CCTA indications(typical chest pain, recent onset cardiomyopathy, left bundle branch block, etc.). The scans were retrospectively reviewed for the presence of myocardial bridging and any other pathological association. RESULTS: Myocardial bridging was found in 89 of 350(22.5%) patients. Most of the intramuscular segments were of the superficial type and found in the mid left anterior descending(LAD)(24.6%), followed by distal LAD(3.7%), diagonal branches(2%), ramus intermedius artery(1.4%) and obtuse marginal artery(0.8%). No myocardial bridging was detected in the right coronary or circumflex arteries. No significant differences were found between males and females(P = 0.14). Coronary artery atherosclerosis was found in 51 of 89(57.3%) patients with MB. Atherosclerotic plaques were not detected in the intramuscular or distal segment of bridging arteries. Dynamic compression was observed in 35(94.5%) patients with full encasement. No evidence of myocardial hypoperfusion was found in the territories supplied by the bridging arteries. CONCLUSION: CCTA is excellent in analyzing myocardial bridging in a Saudi population and the results are comparable to other populations. However, finding the real incidence may need a large multicenter study.

Severity of Coronary Artery Disease by Coronary CT Angiography in Relation to Left Ventricular Diastolic Function

Objectives:?The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between severity of CAD by coronary mutlislice computed tomography scan and the degree of diastolic function Methods:?The study consisted of 80 patients who underwent both coronary CTA and TTE within 1 year with no identifiable intervening cardiovascular event in National?Heart?Institute and Menoufia?University?Hospitals. All patients were subjected to detailed medical history, physical examination, full electrocardiography study including tissue Doppler imaging on mitral annulus, MSCT coronary angiography and different laboratory investigation as CBC, creatinine, lipid profile. Results:?From 80 patients who have done both echocardiography examination and MSCT coronary angiography, the CT scan results were 38 patients with non-obstructive coronary artery disease and 42 patients with obstructive CAD, higher number of patients with diastolic dysfunction with higher values of E/E’, medial e’, lateral e’, LAVI (left atrial volume index) and TRV (tricuspid regurge velocity) were found in the group with obstructive coronary artery disease.?Conclusion:?Our study showed that diastolic dysfunction is more prevalent in patients with obstructive coronary artery disease with higher grade of diastolic dysfunction.