Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Interventional Diagnostic Procedure: A Practical Guide for the Assessment of Coronary Vascular Function
Published on: March 15, 2022
Diagnostic modalities for the evaluation of anomalous left main coronary arteries
Amar D Patel1, Walter L Few, Eugen Ivan
1Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
Insights
Anomalous coronary arteries, though rare, are increasingly identified using advanced imaging. This study details three cases of anomalous left main coronary artery originating from the right sinus of Valsalva, highlighting imaging
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Imaging
- Anatomy
Background:
- Anomalous coronary arteries are uncommon congenital variations.
- Their identification is often incidental during cardiac catheterization.
- Surgical intervention may be required for symptomatic anomalies.
Observation:
- This study presents three cases of anomalous left main coronary artery.
- The anomalous vessel originated from the right sinus of Valsalva.
- Cardiac catheterization revealed the specific anatomic course.
Findings:
- Noninvasive imaging modalities significantly improved the characterization of anomalous coronary arteries.
- Clear anatomic visualization of the anomalous left main coronary artery was achieved.
- The origin from the right sinus of Valsalva was precisely identified.
Implications:
- Advanced noninvasive imaging enhances the diagnosis and management of coronary artery anomalies.
- Accurate anatomic characterization is crucial for surgical planning.
- Improved diagnostic capabilities can lead to better patient outcomes.
Abstract:
Anomalous coronary arteries are rare and usually identified as an incidental finding during cardiac catheterization. The particular difficulty with cardiac catheterization techniques is not necessarily the presence of the anomalous coronary artery, but its anatomic course. Oftentimes, surgical intervention is necessary once these anomalies are discovered. The identification and anatomic characterization of anomalous coronary arteries has been significantly advanced with the use of current diagnostic noninvasive imaging modalities. We present 3 cases of an anomalous left main coronary artery that arises from the right sinus of Valsalva. Noninvasive imaging methods provided a clear anatomic course of the anomalous vessel.
Related Concept Videos
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies
Cardiac Catheterization III: Left Heart Catheterization
Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System II:Types of Echocardiography
Types of Echocardiography
Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE)
TTE is the most common type of echocardiogram which involves placing a transducer on the patient's chest, emitting sound waves to create heart images. TTE is invaluable for evaluating the heart's size, structure, and motion, making it particularly useful for diagnosing...