Anomalous left anterior descending artery: an uncommon cause of ST elevation myocardial infarction
Ali Raza Rajani1, Muhammad Anwer Rafiq1, Muhammad Hamid Mian1
1Department of Cardiology, Rashid Hospital, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, UAE.
Insights
A young man experienced severe chest pain due to ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Coronary angiography revealed an anomalous left anterior descending artery, a rare cause of heart attack in healthy individuals.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Interventional Cardiology
- Cardiac Imaging
Background:
- ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a critical condition often caused by coronary artery atherosclerosis.
- Anomalous coronary artery origins are rare congenital variations that can predispose individuals to myocardial infarction.
Observation:
- A healthy 32-year-old man presented with acute anterior wall STEMI.
- Initial ECG showed ST elevations, and cardiac biomarkers were elevated.
- Echocardiography revealed an akinetic anterior segment of the left ventricle.
Findings:
- Coronary angiography identified an anomalous left anterior descending artery originating from the right sinus of Valsalva.
- No atherosclerotic lesions were found in the coronary arteries, ruling out typical causes of myocardial infarction.
Implications:
- This case highlights anomalous coronary artery origin as a potential cause of myocardial infarction in young, healthy individuals.
- It underscores the importance of comprehensive coronary angiography in diagnosing non-atherosclerotic causes of acute coronary syndromes.
- Understanding these rare anatomical variations is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management of myocardial infarction.
Abstract:
A healthy 32-year-old Asian man presented in emergency with a history of severe chest pain. ECG showed normal sinus rhythm with ST elevations in the anterior chest leads. He was diagnosed with anterior wall ST segment elevation myocardial infarction and was thrombolysed with tenecteplase. The cardiac enzymes and troponin level were significantly high and echocardiography demonstrated akinetic anterior segment of left ventricle. Coronary angiography exhibited anomalous left anterior descending artery originating from right sinus of Valsalva without atherosclerotic lesion.
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