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 Anomalies Detected by Multi-Detector Computed Tomography: A Single Centre Experience

Background: Coronary artery anomalies (CAA) prevalence represents less than 1% of congenital heart diseases. It includes anomalies in origin, course, and termination. Its detection has been easier with advances in imaging techniques using multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT). MDCT helps not only detection of the anomalous origin, but it allows delineation of the course and termination of the arteries, differentiation between benign and malignant courses, and guiding therapeutic interventions. Results: There were consecutive patients with a low-to-intermediate probability of coronary artery disease scanned with 128 MDCT. Each patient underwent a non-contrast prospective gating acquisition for coronary calcium scoring followed by contrast-enhanced helical retrospective gated scans for the detection of coronary artery origin, course, termination, and detection of concomitant atherosclerosis. We scanned 1000 patients with a mean age of 57.5 ± 8.3, and 68% were males. Thirty-two anomalies were noted (3.2%) including;nineteen (1.9%) anomalous origin from the opposite sinus, three (0.3%) anomalous left coronary arteries from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA), one (0.1%) super dominant left anterior descending artery (LAD) giving origin to the posterior descending artery (PDA), three single coronary arteries (0.3%)in which the left main (LM) and right coronary arteries were originating with a common stem from the right coronary sinus (RCS)and the LM took a pre-pulmonic course. Along with six (0.6%) dual LAD including five (0.5%) patients with type I (short LAD and long diagonal), there was one (0.1%) type 4 with an extra LAD originating from the RCS with a pre-pulmonic course. Conclusions: MDCT allows easy detection of coronary anomalies with high spatial resolution and overcomes limitations in conventional invasive coronary angiography. Based on our study we recommend the use of MDCT as an efficient and feasible modality for the diagnosis of coronary anomalies once this pathology is clinically suspected.

Challenging situation of coronary artery anomaly associated with ischemia and/or risk of sudden death

Coronary artery anomaly is known as one of the causes of angina pectoris and sudden death and is an important clinical entity that cannot be overlooked.The incidence of coronary artery anomalies is as low as 1%-2%of the general population,even when the various types are combined.Coronary anomalies are practically challenging when the left and right coronary ostium are not found around their normal positions during coronary angiography with a catheter.If there is atherosclerotic stenosis of the coronary artery with an anomaly and percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)is required,the suitability of the guiding catheter at the entrance and the adequate back up force of the guiding catheter are issues.The level of PCI risk itself should also be considered on a caseby-case basis.In this case,emission computed tomography in the R-1 subtype single coronary artery proved that ischemia occurred in an area where the coronary artery was not visible to the naked eye.Meticulous follow-up would be crucial,because sudden death may occur in single coronary arteries.To prevent atherosclerosis with full efforts is also important,as the authors indicated admirably.

Unroofing Technique for Anomalous Origin of the Left Coronary Artery from the Right Sinus of Valsalva: Report of a Case

Anomalous origin of the left coronary artery (AOLCA) from the right sinus of Valsalva constitutes a rare congenital coronary artery anomaly. Patients with an anomalous left main coronary artery face a significantly higher risk of sudden cardiac death compared to those with an anomalous right coronary artery. The anomalous coronary artery traversing between the ascending aorta and the pulmonary artery markedly heightens the risk of myocardial ischemia, arrhythmia, and sudden death. Symptomatic patients often exhibit a longer intramural course of the coronary artery, which may necessitate earlier intervention or influence the choice of surgical repair method. Surgical intervention is advocated for patients with this anomaly, even in the absence of symptoms. For anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery from the opposite sinus of Valsalva with an intramural course, coronary unroofing is the preferred revascularization procedure. This report presents a case of AOLCA originating from the right sinus of Valsalva, treated surgically using the unroofing technique for the aortic intramural segment of the anomalous coronary artery traversing between the great vessels. The unroofing technique is recommended for treating AOLCA with an extensive intramural course that does not involve the commissure.

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 Anomalies in D-Transposition of the Great Artery Following Arterial Switch Operation

Background:The survival rate of patients following arterial switch operation(ASO)exceeds 95%,but coronary artery anomalies(CAA)contribute to a 2%incidence of sudden cardiac arrest later in life.Therefore,we aimed to assess abnormal findings of coronary arteries in post-ASO patients.Methods:Coronary computed tomography angiography(CCTA)is performed on post-ASO patients who meet institutional criteria.Intraoperative findings of coronary artery patterns were retrospectively reviewed and categorized using the Leiden classification system.Coronary artery anomalies were detected by CCTA and associations with coronary artery compromise were explored.Results:Forty-three patients who had CCTA with a median age of 15.6 years(12–21.3 years)were included in the study.Unusual coronary patterns were identified in 20(46%)patients before ASO.CCTA identified 25 CAA in 22 patients(eleven with prepulmonic course,nine with interarterial course,three with acute take-off angle,and two with significant stenosis).Postoperative CAA was more common in patients with unusual coronary patterns(90%vs.17.4%;p<0.001).Nine patients experienced chest pain and two patients required coronary artery bypass graft.A common ostium of RCA and LAD or LMCA were associated with significant chest pain(OR 14.3%,95%CI 2.5 to 82.3).Conclusions:Coronary artery anomalies in post-ASO are common.All post-ASO patients should have coronary artery imaging before participating in competitive sport and when they reach adolescence.Patients with unusual preoperative coronary artery patterns should undergo coronary artery imaging when feasible.Follow-up imaging studies are indicated in patients with post-operative coronary artery abnormalities.

Acute coronary syndrome in a patient with a single coronary artery arising from the right sinus of Valsalva

Coronary artery anomalies are usually encountered as coincidental findings during coronary angiography or at autopsy. Life threatening symptoms, such as arrhythmias, syncope, myocardial infarction, or sudden death, can occur in up to 20% of patients. However, the majority of anomalies (80%) are benign and asymptomatic. A single coronary artery (SCA) is one of the most rarely seen coronary anomalies with an incidence of 0.05%. We report the case of a 55-year old male patient who presented with symptoms of chest pain associated with an acute myocardial infarction. Coronary angiography revealed an anomalous left main coronary artery (LMCA) originating from the right coronary ostium, and an occluded distal right coronary artery. The occluded distal right coronary artery was successfully treated by thrombosuction and stenting. In order to confirm the origin and course of the SCA, multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) of the heart was performed after coronary angiography. MSCT showed that the anomalous LMCA originated from the right coronary artery ostium and then passed the interventricular septum, instead of being intra arterial, and under the right ventricular infundibulum. The anomalous LMCA was classified as R-II S subtype according to Lipton’s classification.

Congenital coronary artery-left ventricle direct micro-fistulas may cause effort angina and positive stress tests in Western adults

Coronary artery anomalies （CAAs） occur in 0.64 % to 5.6% of patients undergoing coronary angiography, Most pathophysiology and clinical histories involving CCAs have been fully clarified in the past 30 years. Isolated congenital coronary artery-left ventricle direct microfismlas （CVmF） have been recently described, but the clinical significance and anatomical characteristics associated with this rare type of CAA in a western population are still unclear.

A rare case of single right coronary artery arising from the right sinus of Valsalva with severe three-vessel disease

A 63-year-old man was admitted to our observation unit with atypical angina found to be non-adherent with his an- ti-hypertensive medication regimen for one month. His medical history was notable for hypertension for ten years and current tobacco smoking. He was hypertensive with otherwise, stable vital signs. Cardiac auscultation revealed normal S1 and $2 without a murmur.

Intra-atrial course of right coronary artery:A case report

BACKGROUND Intra-atrial right coronary artery(RCA)is a rare and generally asymptomatic anomaly of development of the coronary arteries.This malformation could potentially expose the patient to a catastrophic outcome in the case of injury during interventional or surgical procedures.Currently,only a few case reports and no systematic reviews are available in the literature.CASE SUMMARY We report the case of a 54-year-old man with atypical chest pain who underwent multi-detector computed tomography angiography(MDCTA).The exam revealed no significant coronary artery stenoses;however,an intra-atrial course of mid RCA was evident.Medical therapy was administered,and the patient was discharged to home without undergoing a conventional angiography.Previously reported autoptic and clinical cases were retrieved from the PubMed literature database to compare the clinicopathological features of this case.CONCLUSION MDCTA depicted the abnormal course of the coronary artery in this patient as an intra-atrial course of the mid RCA.Finding this abnormality was crucial to avoid an inadvertent injury during interventional or surgical procedures.

Atypical double right coronary artery:a case report and literature review

Coronary artery anomalies are a kind of rare congenital coronary disease most of which are nonmalignant and asymptomatic,while some could lead to severe clinical manifestations and even sudden cardiac death.Here,we reported an atypical anomaly of a double right coronary artery with no obvious atherosclerosis on angiograms,in a 51-year-old woman who showed mild symptoms and had ischemic signs on electrocardiogram.This anomaly is neither similar to the typical appearances of a split right coronary artery nor a large right ventricle branch,is probably account for the potential risk of myocardial ischemia and highly likely to be missed during coronary angiography.

Coronary angioplasty for in-stent restenosis in patient with anomalous single coronary artery arising from right sinus valsalva

Single coronary artery is a coincidental finding during coronary angiography or at autopsy. Although it is a rare condition and most of time has an asymptomatic clinic;prognosis varies. We would like to report a case about percutaneous coronary intervention in a patient who has anomalous single coronary artery arising from right sinus valsalva.

Collaterals of Life: Fistulous Communication of Vieussens’ Arterial Ring

The Vieussens’ arterial ring (VAR) is a rare coronary anomaly that may be associated with a pulmonary fistula, and has been linked to ischemia, myocardial infarction, heart failure, arrhythmias, and sudden death. We present the case of a 54-year-old man who was admitted to the emergency room with angina and dyspnea on moderate exertion, in the context of atrial fibrillation and decompensated heart failure with left ventricular systolic dysfunction. In the study of its etiology, coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) identified an anomalous conal artery outflow (type C) as part of the VAR and a fistula to the pulmonary artery trunk (variant 1b), with an arterial flow linking the conal artery and the middle third of the left anterior descending artery (LAD), which then fistulized to the pulmonary artery trunk. The hemodynamic and clinical repercussions presented with signs of ischemia in the LAD territory and acute heart failure. In this case, CCTA identified the coronary anomaly and its trajectory with great precision through volume rendering reconstruction, as well as the dynamics of coronary flow in the presence of the pulmonary fistula. This anatomical variant is rarely described, and CCTA is of great utility in the therapeutic decision for fistula closure.

Sixty-four-multi-detector computed tomography diagnosis of coronary artery anomalies in 66 patients

Background The abnormalities of coronary arteries, though rare and sometimes benign, may first present clinically as myocardial infarction or sudden death. Multi-detector computed tomography （MDCT） is a non-invasive test that is highly suitable for detecting these anomalies. The study aimed to review the 64-MDCT appearance of the coronary artery anomalies in 66 patients and to discuss the clinical importance of these anomalies.Methods In 6014 consecutive patients examined over 12 months by 64-MDCT for the study of coronary artery disease, 66 were diagnosed for coronary artery anomalies. All patients were symptomatic for one or more of the following diseases： chest pain, dyspnoea, palpitations, arrhythmia and myocardial infarction. Nine patients had undergone a coronary angiography. All the CT images were evaluated by two radiologists and one cardiologist. The right coronary artery （RCA） and the conus branch arising separately, myocardial bridging and duplication of arteries were not analysed in our study.Results The incidence of coronary artery anomalies found in our study group was 1.097%. In the selected patients, seven different types of coronary anomalies were found by 64-MDCT examination. The high takeoff, origin of the coronary artery from the opposite or noncoronary sinus with an anomalous course, and coronary artery fistula were the three common forms of anomalies （n=16, 18 and 16, respectively）. Compared with the results of the coronary angiography, the number of the drainage sites of two coronary artery fistula was less in MDCT images （3 small sites in total）. In all cases, coronary artery computed tomography angiography （CTA） technique was able to recognize the origin of the coronary artery, its three-dimensional course and its spatial relationship with the adjacent structures. Conventional coronary angiography in two cases, however, was unable to provide sufficient information for correct and complete diagnosis.Conclusions In conclusion, the study showed that 64-MDCT, especially the volume rendering technique （VRT）, may be useful for the assessment of complex variations, even if the conventional angiography may not be sufficient. It may be considered as the first-choice imaging modality when an anomalous coronary artery is suspected.

Comparison of Congenital Coronary Artery Anomalies Between Uyghur and Han： A Multi-slice Computed Tomography Study in Xinjiang, China

Background：The incidence of congenital coronary artery anomalies （CCAAs） is different between ethnic groups,but there is no report about Uyghur CCAAs because of the limitation of inspection methods.This study determined the prevalence of Uyghur CCAAs and analysis the difference of CCAAs between Uyghur and Han ethnic groups by the method of multi-slice computed tomography coronary angiography （MSCTCA）.Methods：Seven thousand four hundred and sixty-nine MSCTCA were analyzed for the CCAAs retroactively,1934 were Uyghur patients while 4746 were Han patients.All the coronary artery images dates obtained by MSCTCA were evaluated for the CCAAs by two doctors.Results：Nineteen kinds of CCAAs were found：（1） The overall incidence of CCAAs was 2.72% （203/7469） among all patients,2.34% （111/4746） among Han patients whereas a significant higher 3.93% （76/1934） among Uyghur patients （χ^2 =12.780,P 〈 0.05）; （2） the incidence of CCAAs among male patients was 2.48% （76/3069） in Han while 4.33% （56/1293） in Uyghur （χ^2 =10.663,P 〈 0.05）; （3） the incidence of CCAAs on the left side was 1.07% （51/4746） among Han patients while 2.17% （42/934） among Uyghur patients （χ^2 =12.047,P 〈 0.05）; （4） among these 19 kinds of CCAAs,there were significant differences of the incidence of the following kinds of CCAAs between Uyghur and Han：Left coronary artery （LCA） high location （χ^2 =8.320,P =0.004）,right coronary artery （RCA） originate from left coronary sinus （χ^2 =5.450,P =0.020）,and RCA originate from left Coronary sinus ＋ LCA high location （P =0.024）.Conclusions：There exists some difference in CCAAs between Uyghur and Han ethnic groups.The CCAAs incidence of Uyghur is higher than that of Han,especially in male patients and on the left side; among all kinds of CCAAs,the incidence of LCA high location,RCA originate from left coronary sinus,RCA originate from left coronary sinus ＋ LCA high locations of Uyghur is higher than Han.

Coronary artery anomalies： the left main coronary artery or left anterior descending coronary artery originating from the proximal of right coronary artery

Coronary artery anomalies （CAAs） are present at birth, but are usually asymptomatic and are found during coronary angiography or multi-slice computed tomography （MSCT） examinations. Their prevalence is less than 1.3% based published series.1＇2 The most common coronary anomaly is separate origin of the left anterior descending coronary artery （LAD） and left circumflex coronary artery （LCX） from the left sinus of the Valsalva. The second most common anomaly is the origin of the LCX artery from the right coronary artery （RCA） or right sinus of the Valsalva. We present two cases of coronary artery anomalies： one is the left main coronary artery （LMCA） arising from the proximal RCA, the other is the LAD originating from the proximal RCA.

The Single Cusp of Life: A Case Report

Background: Anomalous coronary artery (CAA) is a rare condition occurring in less than 1% of individuals. The most common form consists of the left circumflex artery (LCx) arising from the right coronary sinus. These vascular anomalies have been associated with an increased risk of sudden cardiac death. We present a rare case of an anomalous coronary artery in a patient with all three coronary arteries arising from a shared ostium. Case presentation: A 67-year-old transgender Caucasian male with medical history of dyslipidemia and hypertension presented for ischemic workup due to occasional chest pain prior to undergoing male to female gender reassignment surgery. A Regadenosan stress test with SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging revealed moderate sized, moderate intensity perfusion defect reversible in inferolateral wall and fixed in inferior wall. Coronary angiography revealed anomalous origin of the coronary arteries, with all three major coronary arteries arising from a shared, single, ostium originating from the right coronary cusp. Coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) showed a “malignant course” of LAD running between the pulmonary artery and aorta. A conservative management was pursued in view of mild symptoms with close follow ups. Conclusion: It is important to evaluate all coronary artery anomalies (CAA) for a “malignant” course due to its associated risk for various cardiac events including sudden cardiac death. Surgical management is indicated in high-risk patients with malignant courses. However, asymptomatic patients and those with mild symptoms with or without malignant course can be followed closely.

Congenital coronary artery fistulas： dual-source CT findings from consecutive 6624 patients with suspected or confirmed coronary artery disease

Background Coronary artery fistulas （CAFs） are rare congenital abnormality often unintentionally found in patients with coronary artery disease. Clinical diagnosis of CAFs is difficult due to symptomless or lack of specific symptoms. Dual-source computed tomography （DSCT） might be a useful diagnostic tool for CAFs. The study aimed to retrospectively summarize the imaging features of CAFs delineated at DSCT in 48 CAF patients detected from consecutive 6624 patients with suspected or confirmed coronary artery disease in our institution. Methods Forty-eight patients underwent DSCT angiography by using retrospective electrocardiographic （ECG） gating after infusion of 70 ml of intravenous contrast material during breath hold. Maximum intensity projection （MIP）, curved planar reconstruction （CPR）, and volume rendering technique （VR） were obtained. Anomalous termination of coronary artery in each subject was evaluated by two radiologists （with more than 10 years experience with cardiovascular imaging）, and disagreement between diagnosis readers was settled by a consensus reading. Ten of 48 patients also underwent traditional coronary angiography （CAG） simultaneously. Results In each CAF case, DSCT angiography clearly demonstrated the origin, the termination, the size of abnormal vessel and its course in relation to surrounding great vessels. CAF arising from right coronary artery was the most common type, left circumflex was the least one involved among three coronaries, and pulmonary artery was the most common drainage site. Aneurismal fistulous tract, coronary atherosclerosis, myocardial bridging and anomalous origin of coronary artery were also detected in this group. The demonstration of drainage sites in CAG was consistent with DSCT angiography in 9 patients, and judgment on one anomalous connection in CAG was inconsistent with that in DSCT angiography. Conclusions DSCT angiography could provide accurate delineation of anomalous communications, size and numbers of fistulas in patients with CAFs. It suggested that DSCT is a useful tool for the assessment of CAFs and may be considered as the first-choice imaging modality, especially for patients with coronary artery disease.

Coronary anomaly： the single coronary artery

Single coronary artery （SCA）, defined as an artery that arises from the arterial trunk and nourishes the entire myocardium, is rare. We report two cases of SCA, one is the fight coronary artery （RCA） originating from the middle of left descending artery （LAD）, and the other is the left main coronary artery （LMCA） arising from the proximal fight coronary artery.

Single coronary artery anomaly： the left main coronary artery originating from the proximal segment of right coronary artery

This case report we presented is that the anomalous left main coronary artery （LMCA） originates from the proximal segment of right coronary artery. In order to confirm the origin and course of the anomalous LMCA, a multi-slice computed tomography （MSCT） of the heart was performed on a 64-slice machine （Philips 64 Slice, Philips, USA） after 6 months of coronary angiography operation. The results showed that the anomalous LMCA originates from the proximal segment of right coronary artery, lies posteriorly to the aorta before taking acute sharply to go between the aorta and left atrium. It was classified as R-Ⅱ P subtype according to Lipton＇s classification. It is a rare case in the clinical practice.