Anomalous Origin of the Coronary Arteries in Two Calves

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Cardiology
• Congenital Heart Disease
• Anatomical Abnormalities

Background:

• Coronary artery anomalies encompass variations in number, course, or origin.
• Anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (A.O.L.C.A.) affects approximately 1 in 300,000 children.
• Previous literature documents A.O.R.C.A. (16 cases) and A.O.L.C.A. (39 cases) in humans, with A.O.B.C.A. reported 5 times.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report on the findings of two cases of anomalous origin of both coronary arteries from the pulmonary artery (A.O.B.C.A.) in cattle.
• To contribute to the limited veterinary literature on coronary artery anomalies in animals, specifically A.O.B.C.A. in cattle.

Main Methods:

• Review of available veterinary literature on coronary artery anomalies in animals.
• Detailed case description of two instances of A.O.B.C.A. in cattle.

Main Results:

• Literature search identified 12 reports of coronary artery anomalies in animals.
• Four reports described anomalous origin of the right coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (A.O.R.C.A.) in cattle.
• No prior accounts of anomalous origin of both coronary arteries from the pulmonary artery (A.O.B.C.A.) in cattle were found.

Conclusions:

• The study presents the first documented cases of A.O.B.C.A. in cattle.
• Highlights the rarity and potential underreporting of this specific congenital heart defect in veterinary medicine.
• Emphasizes the need for further research into coronary artery anomalies in animal populations.