Anomalous "High Take-Off" of the right coronary artery evaluated by coronary CT angiography
Jigar Kadakia1, Mohit Gupta, Matthew J Budoff
1UCLA School of Medicine, Program Director, Division of Cardiology, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center.
Insights
Congenital coronary artery anomalies are rare but serious. This case report highlights how 64-slice multidetector computed tomography (CT) precisely identified an extremely rare right coronary artery anomaly, aiding diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Congenital coronary artery anomalies are infrequent but can lead to significant cardiovascular events like sudden cardiac death and myocardial ischemia.
- Conventional coronary angiography, while diagnostic, is invasive, costly, and may not always fully delineate complex coronary artery origins and courses.
Observation:
- This case report details an extremely rare anomaly involving the right coronary artery.
- A 64-slice multidetector computed tomography (CT) scan was utilized to investigate the anomaly.
Findings:
- The multidetector CT provided crucial details on the exact aortocoronary take-off site of the anomalous right coronary artery.
- The CT scan also elucidated the spatial relationship between the anomalous artery and the great vessels.
Implications:
- Accurate identification of coronary anomalies using advanced imaging like CT is vital for diagnosis.
- Understanding the CT appearance of these anomalies is essential for effective patient management and treatment planning.
Abstract:
Congenital coronary anomalies are uncommon but can cause sudden cardiac death or myocardial ischemia. Conventional coronary angiography is an invasive and expensive modality, sometimes unable to delineate the exact origin and course of an anomalous artery. In this case report, we describe an "extremely rare" anomaly of the right coronary artery where a 64-slice multidetector computed tomography provided valuable information regarding its exact site of the aortocoronary take-off and its spatial relationship with the great vessels. Knowledge of CT appearances and an understanding of the clinical significance of these anomalies are essential for making the correct diagnosis and planning patient treatment.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies
Cardiac Catheterization III: Left Heart Catheterization
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT
Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction
Coronary Circulation
Coronary circulation begins at the base of the aorta, where two main arteries arise—the left and right coronary arteries. These arteries encircle the heart in the coronary sulcus and supply the...
Cardiac Catheterization II: Right Heart Catheterization


