MDCT coronary angiography for diagnosis of anomalous origin right coronary artery: a case report

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Imaging
• Interventional Cardiology
• Congenital Heart Disease

Background:

• Anomalous coronary artery origins are increasingly recognized, with some considered high-risk.
• The anomalous origin of the right coronary artery from the contralateral sinus of Valsalva is a rare but potentially malignant coronary anomaly.

Observation:

• A case report detailing a symptomatic patient with anomalous origin of the right coronary artery arising from the left sinus of Valsalva.
• Diagnostic imaging was performed using multi-detector row computed tomography (MDCT) coronary angiography in an emergency setting.

Findings:

• MDCT coronary angiography successfully identified and precisely delineated the anomalous coronary artery (ACA) and its course.
• The findings confirmed the anomalous origin, classifying it as a malignant anomaly.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of prompt diagnosis and surgical management for symptomatic patients with this coronary anomaly.
• Multi-detector row computed tomography (MDCT) is validated as a reliable non-invasive tool for diagnosing anomalous coronary arteries (ACAs).