Intra-atrial course of right coronary artery - case report

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Imaging
• Interventional Cardiology
• Anatomical Variations

Background:

• Intra-atrial course of the right coronary artery is a rare congenital anomaly.
• Early recognition is vital to prevent iatrogenic injury during cardiac interventions.
• Potential hazards include damage during procedures like pacemaker implantation or ablation.

Observation:

• A 62-year-old female presented with paroxysmal atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation.
• Cardiac computed tomography (CT) was performed for diagnostic evaluation.
• CT revealed an anomalous right coronary artery coursing through the right atrium.

Findings:

• The cardiac CT precisely delineated the aberrant path of the right coronary artery.
• The anomaly's morphology and exact anatomical location within the right atrium were clearly visualized.
• This imaging modality confirmed the intra-atrial course of the coronary artery.

Implications:

• Accurate anatomical assessment via cardiac CT is essential for patient safety.
• This knowledge aids interventional cardiologists in planning procedures and avoiding vascular injury.
• Improved understanding of such anomalies enhances diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in cardiology.