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Direct Re-implantation of Left Coronary Artery into the Aorta in Adults with Anomalous Origin of Left Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery (ALCAPA)
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Direct Re-implantation of Left Coronary Artery into the Aorta in Adults with Anomalous Origin of Left Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery (ALCAPA)

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Anatomical study of a left single coronary artery with special reference to the various distribution patterns of

M Koizumi1, K Kawai, S Honma

  • 1Department of Anatomy, Kumamoto University School of Medicine, Japan.

Annals of Anatomy = Anatomischer Anzeiger : Official Organ of the Anatomische Gesellschaft
|December 28, 2000
PubMed

Insights

A rare case of a single left coronary artery was found in a cadaver. This anatomical variation, where the right coronary artery was absent, is considered an extreme example of left dominance.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Anatomy
  • Human Anatomy
  • Medical Education

Background:

  • Anatomical variations in coronary artery origins can impact cardiac function.
  • Single coronary arteries are rare congenital anomalies with varying clinical significance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To document and describe a rare case of a single left coronary artery.
  • To analyze the distribution pattern of this anomalous coronary artery.
  • To contribute to the understanding of coronary artery variations in anatomical studies.

Main Methods:

  • Case report of a single coronary artery observed during medical school anatomy dissection.
  • Detailed description of the coronary artery's origin, branching, and distribution.
  • Review of 377 additional cadaver dissections for comparative analysis of coronary artery patterns.

Main Results:

  • A single left coronary artery originated from the left aortic sinus, bifurcating into anterior interventricular and circumflex branches.
  • The right coronary artery ostium was absent.
  • Histological examination revealed no significant pathological abnormalities.

Conclusions:

  • The observed single left coronary artery represents an extreme variant of the left dominant coronary artery system.
  • Embryological factors related to capillary plexus flow may explain the formation of single coronary arteries.
  • This finding underscores the importance of recognizing coronary artery anomalies in anatomical and clinical practice.

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