"Killer coronary artery" and aortic valve stenosis: A tricky case
Joseph Nader1, Béatris Alina Labont2, David Houpe3
1Department of Cardiac Surgery, Amiens Picardy University Hospital, Amiens, France nader_joe@hotmail.com.
Asian Cardiovascular & Thoracic Annals
|May 3, 2014
Summary
Anomalous origin of the left main coronary artery from the right coronary sinus is rare in elderly patients. This case highlights successful surgical correction in a 75-year-old woman with chest pain.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiac Surgery
Background:
- Anomalous origin of the left main coronary artery (ALCA) from the right coronary sinus is a rare congenital heart defect.
- Diagnosis in elderly patients is uncommon, often presenting with atypical symptoms.
Observation:
- A 75-year-old female presented with exertional chest pain and syncope.
- Preoperative evaluation revealed moderate aortic valve stenosis.
- Cardiac imaging confirmed ALCA from the right coronary sinus.
Findings:
- The patient underwent successful surgical management combining an unroofing procedure for the anomalous coronary artery and aortic valve replacement.
- Postoperative recovery was uneventful.
Implications:
- This case demonstrates that ALCA can be diagnosed and effectively treated in elderly individuals.
- Surgical intervention can provide significant symptomatic relief and improve quality of life in older patients with this anomaly.
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