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Intercoronary connection and apical left ventricular hypertrophy: case report and review of the literature
H Panayiotou1, J M Perry, J W Norris
1Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee.
Insights
A cardiac catheterization revealed apical left ventricular hypertrophy and an unusual connection between the posterior descending artery and left anterior descending artery in a patient with chest pain.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Interventional Cardiology
- Cardiac Anatomy
Background:
- Chronic chest pain and T wave inversion are common symptoms requiring investigation.
- Cardiac catheterization is a key diagnostic tool for coronary artery disease.
Observation:
- A 55-year-old man presented with chronic chest pain and new T wave inversion.
- Cardiac catheterization revealed apical left ventricular hypertrophy.
- A large intercoronary connection was identified between the posterior descending artery (PDA) and the left anterior descending (LAD) artery.
Findings:
- The left anterior descending (LAD) artery appeared normal on initial assessment.
- Selective angiography of the right coronary artery (RCA) demonstrated retrograde filling of the LAD artery.
- This suggests a significant collateral circulation pathway.
Implications:
- The findings highlight the importance of comprehensive coronary angiography, including assessment of collateral circulation.
- Understanding such anomalous connections can refine diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for ischemic heart disease.
- Further review of potential mechanisms and existing literature is warranted.
Abstract:
Cardiac catheterization in a 55-year-old man, presenting with chronic chest pain and new T wave inversion, showed apical left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy and a large intercoronary connection between the posterior descending artery (PDA) and left anterior descending (LAD). Although the LAD was normal, selective angiography of the right coronary artery (RCA) filled the LAD retrogradely. Possible mechanisms and the literature are reviewed.
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