Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 10, 2026

Direct Re-implantation of Left Coronary Artery into the Aorta in Adults with Anomalous Origin of Left Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery (ALCAPA)
13:10

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

Published on: April 24, 2017

Hoarseness as the initial clinical presentation of anomalous left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery

D R Allen1, R M Schieken, M T Donofrio

  • 1Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, PO Box 980026, Richmond, VA 23298, USA.

Pediatric Cardiology
|November 19, 2004
PubMed

Insights

An unusual congenital heart defect, anomalous left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery, can present with a hoarse cry in infants. Early diagnosis is critical to prevent severe heart damage and mortality.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Congenital Heart Disease

Background:

  • Anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) is a rare congenital heart defect.
  • Untreated ALCAPA often leads to severe myocardial ischemia, significant morbidity, and mortality in infants.

Observation:

  • A 2-month-old infant presented with an unusual symptom: a hoarse cry.
  • This presentation was linked to a diagnosed case of ALCAPA.

Findings:

  • The hoarse cry was theorized to result from recurrent laryngeal nerve impingement.
  • Pulmonary artery dilatation secondary to ALCAPA was the likely cause of nerve impingement.

Implications:

  • This case highlights that congenital heart disease can manifest with atypical symptoms.
  • It underscores the importance of considering serious cardiac anomalies even with unusual presenting complaints.

More Related Videos

Left Atrial Stenosis Induced Pulmonary Venous Arterialization and Group 2 Pulmonary Hypertension in Rat08:34

Left Atrial Stenosis Induced Pulmonary Venous Arterialization and Group 2 Pulmonary Hypertension in Rat

Published on: November 18, 2018

Murine Left Pulmonary Hilar Clamp Model of Lung Ischemia Reperfusion Injury06:45

Murine Left Pulmonary Hilar Clamp Model of Lung Ischemia Reperfusion Injury

Published on: April 12, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Respiratory System Abnormal Finding II: Palpation and Auscultation01:31

Respiratory System Abnormal Finding II: Palpation and Auscultation

In assessing respiratory abnormalities, palpation and auscultation are critical tools for detecting and interpreting various pathophysiological changes. These techniques provide insight into underlying disorders by evaluating tactile sensations and sounds produced by the respiratory system.
Palpation Findings
During a respiratory assessment, palpation can reveal several vital abnormalities:
Cardiovascular System Abnormal Findings II: Auscultation01:25

Cardiovascular System Abnormal Findings II: Auscultation

Auscultation, an essential part of a heart examination, is done using a stethoscope. It provides crucial information about heart function and possible heart problems. Due to heart problems, abnormal sounds can be heard during systole or diastole. These sounds include S3 and S4 gallops, opening snaps, systolic clicks, and murmurs.
Abnormal Heart Sounds
Gallops:
Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests01:23

Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests

Mitral stenosis is a heart condition in which the mitral valve, which allows blood to flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle, becomes narrowed or stenotic. This narrowing hinders blood flow and leads to clinical symptoms requiring specific medical evaluations and management strategies. The following overview outlines the clinical symptoms, assessments, diagnostic findings, prevention methods, and treatments for mitral stenosis.Clinical ManifestationsDyspnea (shortness of breath): This...
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:22

Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Aortic valve regurgitation (AR) occurs when the aortic valve fails to close properly, allowing blood to flow backward from the aorta into the left ventricle. This backflow can result in two distinct clinical presentations: acute and chronic AR, each characterized by its own set of symptoms and physical findings.Acute Aortic RegurgitationAcute AR presents with a sudden onset of severe symptoms. Patients typically experience profound dyspnea (shortness of breath), chest pain, and signs of left...
Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations01:30

Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a primary health risk worldwide, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The condition arises from the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques within the coronary arteries, resulting in diminished blood supply to the heart muscle.The clinical manifestations of CAD vary widely, from asymptomatic stages to severe, life-threatening conditions. Understanding these manifestations is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management.Angina Pectoris: The Warning...
Heart Failure III: Clinical Manifestations01:26

Heart Failure III: Clinical Manifestations

Heart failure (HF) manifests primarily as dyspnea, fatigue, and fluid retention, resulting in peripheral and pulmonary edema. Symptoms may vary depending on which ventricle is more affected, left or right.Left-Sided Heart FailureAlso known as left ventricular failure, this condition results from the left ventricle's inability to fill or eject sufficient blood into the systemic circulation. It leads to pulmonary congestion, which occurs when the left ventricle fails to eject blood effectively...