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Single coronary artery from the left sinus of Valsalva
C Vassanelli1, M Turri, G Morando
1Institute of Cardiology, University of Verona Medical School, Italy.
Insights
A rare single coronary artery anomaly originating from the left sinus of Valsalva was diagnosed in a patient with severe coronary artery disease. This exceptional finding is crucial for guiding potential surgical interventions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Congenital Heart Disease
- Interventional Cardiology
Background:
- Chronic exertional angina and myocardial ischemia are common symptoms of coronary artery disease.
- Coronary arteriography is a standard diagnostic tool for evaluating coronary artery anatomy and disease severity.
Observation:
- A patient presented with worsening chest pain, including rest angina, despite a history of exertional angina.
- Exercise stress testing revealed electrocardiographic evidence of myocardial ischemia.
Findings:
- Coronary arteriography identified severe atherosclerotic coronary disease.
- An exceptionally rare finding of a single coronary artery arising from the left sinus of Valsalva was incidentally discovered.
Implications:
- The in-life diagnosis of this rare coronary artery anomaly is critical for surgical planning.
- Accurate identification of coronary artery anomalies can prevent complications during cardiac procedures and improve patient outcomes.
Abstract:
A patient with chronic exertional angina and electrocardiographic signs of myocardial ischemia at exercise stress test had recent onset of rest chest pain and underwent coronary arteriography. Besides severe atherosclerotic coronary disease (which was probably responsible for clinical presentation), a single coronary artery arising from the left sinus of Valsalva was discovered. This is an exceptional finding, and its in-life diagnosis may be relevant for surgical treatment.