Isolated single coronary artery: a review of 50,000 consecutive coronary angiographies

W Desmet1, J Vanhaecke, M Vrolix

  • 1Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium.

European Heart Journal
|December 1, 1992
PubMed

Insights

Single coronary artery, a rare congenital anomaly, occurs when one artery supplies the entire heart. This study found its incidence to be 0.066% in adult patients undergoing coronary angiography.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Congenital Anomalies
  • Vascular Anatomy

Background:

  • Single coronary artery (SCA) is a rare congenital anomaly.
  • It involves a single coronary artery originating from the aorta supplying the entire heart.
  • Understanding its incidence and anatomical variations is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence of single coronary artery in adult patients.
  • To classify the anatomical types of SCA identified.
  • To discuss the clinical and pathological significance of SCA.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 50,000 coronary angiographies performed between 1973 and 1991.
  • Identification of cases diagnosed with single coronary artery.
  • Review and anatomical classification of all identified SCA cases.

Main Results:

  • Thirty-three cases of single coronary artery were identified.
  • The overall incidence of SCA was determined to be 0.066%.
  • Patient characteristics and clinical data were analyzed, and anatomical types were classified.

Conclusions:

  • Single coronary artery is a rare finding with a low incidence.
  • Further characterization of patient data and anatomical variations is important.
  • The pathological implications of SCA warrant continued investigation.

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