Intercoronary communication between right and left coronary artery with bidirectional flow--a rare angiographic
S Harikrishnan1, K Remash, Krishnakumar Nair
1Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram-695004, Kerala, India. drharikrishnan@hotmail.com
Insights
This study reports a rare case of intercoronary artery communication, where blood flowed bidirectionally between the left and right coronary arteries. This anatomical variant was observed in coronary arteries free of atherosclerotic disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Anatomy
- Interventional Cardiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Coronary artery circulation typically involves separate left and right coronary arteries originating from the aorta.
- Anatomical variations in coronary circulation are uncommon but significant for understanding cardiac physiology and surgical planning.
- Intercoronary artery communication represents a rare congenital or acquired anomaly.
Observation:
- A unique case of direct communication between the left and right coronary arteries was identified.
- Diagnostic imaging revealed bidirectional blood flow between the coronary arteries.
- The observed coronary arteries exhibited no signs of atherosclerotic occlusive disease.
Findings:
- Angiography confirmed a persistent intercoronary artery connection.
- Demonstration of bidirectional flow between the left and right coronary arteries.
- Absence of significant coronary artery stenosis or occlusion in the affected individual.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of recognizing rare coronary anomalies during diagnostic procedures.
- Provides insights into the spectrum of coronary artery variations.
- Contributes to the literature on congenital cardiovascular anomalies and their clinical presentation.
Abstract:
Intercoronary artery continuity is a rare variant of coronary circulation. Here we report a case where we found an intercoronary communication between the left and the right coronary artery. Right coronary angiogram showed filling of the left coronary artery and the left coronary angiogram showed filling of the distal right coronary artery, demonstrating bidirectional flow. The coronary arteries were free of atherosclerotic occlusive disease. The case is reported for its rarity.
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