Accessory pathway associated with an anomalous coronary sinus
Insights
Congenital coronary sinus anomalies are rare, especially when coexisting with accessory atrioventricular pathways. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges and potential embryologic links in such unusual cardiac presentations.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Embryology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Congenital coronary sinus anomalies are rare cardiac malformations.
- Accessory atrioventricular pathways can lead to tachyarrhythmias.
- The coexistence of these two conditions is exceptionally uncommon.
Observation:
- A male patient presented with permanent form of reciprocating tachycardia.
- The patient was diagnosed with an anomalous coronary sinus.
- Mapping the tachycardia was challenging due to the anomalous anatomy.
Findings:
- The case demonstrates the rare association between anomalous coronary sinus and accessory atrioventricular pathways.
- This association may imply a shared embryologic origin.
- The anomaly complicated electrophysiological study and mapping procedures.
Implications:
- Understanding this association is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of tachyarrhythmias in affected individuals.
- Further research into the embryologic basis may reveal new insights into cardiac development.
- This case underscores the importance of advanced imaging and mapping techniques in complex congenital heart conditions.
Abstract:
Congenital coronary sinus anomalies are unusual and they rarely coexist with accessory atrioventricular pathways. These anomalies are generally asymptomatic, however they can cause difficulty in mapping. The association between accessory pathway and coronary sinus anomalies may suggest an embryologic link. In this case, we report a male patient with permanent form of reciprocating tachycardia coexistent with anomalous coronary sinus.
Related Concept Videos
Coronary Circulation
Coronary circulation begins at the base of the aorta, where two main arteries arise—the left and right coronary arteries. These arteries encircle the heart in the coronary sulcus and supply the...
Overview of Systemic Veins
The coronary sinus, the heart's principal vein, resides in the coronary sulcus on the heart's posterior aspect. This broad venous channel receives nearly all venous blood from the myocardium, the heart muscle. It is fed by three primary veins: the great cardiac vein, the middle...
Physiology of the Heart: The Cardiac Cycle
Diastole: The Relaxation Phase
During diastole, all four heart chambers relax. The atrioventricular (AV) valves open, and the semilunar valves close. This phase sees the lowest chamber pressures, promoting ventricular filling. Venous blood enters the heart through the...
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias I: Sinus Arrhythmias
Types of Arrhythmias
Sinus Node Arrhythmias
Sinus Bradycardia: Originating from the sinoatrial (SA) node, sinus bradycardia involves slower impulses, resulting in a heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute (bpm). Causes include sleep, vagal stimulation, beta-blockers, hypothyroidism, and...
The Arch of Aorta
Encircling the heart, the coronary arteries form a ring-like structure before...
Conduction System of the Heart
The pacemaker cells are located in two primary nodes: the sinoatrial (SA) node and the atrioventricular (AV) node. The SA node pacemaker cells can autonomously depolarize, triggering an action potential that leads to the...

