Hyperdominant Left Anterior Descending Artery: ARare Coronary Artery Anomaly
Hamid Sharif Khan1, Imran Iftikhar1, Azhar Mahmood Kayani1
1Department of Cardiology, Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology, Rawalpindi.
Insights
A rare coronary artery anomaly, the posterior descending artery originating from the left anterior descending artery, was identified in a patient with myocardial infarction. This anatomical variation requires careful consideration in diagnosing and managing cardiac conditions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Anatomical Variations
- Interventional Cardiology
Background:
- The posterior descending artery (PDA) typically arises from the right coronary artery (RCA) or left circumflex artery (LCx).
- Anomalous origin of the PDA from the left anterior descending artery (LAD) is an uncommon finding.
Observation:
- A 66-year-old male presented with symptoms consistent with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction.
- Coronary angiography revealed the PDA arising as a continuation of the LAD beyond the crux.
- A rudimentary right coronary artery was also noted.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction.
- Fractional flow reserve confirmed subcritical stenosis in the proximal LAD.
- The anomalous PDA origin was identified as a key anatomical feature.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of recognizing rare coronary artery anomalies during angiography.
- Understanding such variations is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning in myocardial infarction.
- Management strategies may need to be adapted based on individual coronary anatomy.
Abstract:
The posterior descending artery supplying the posterior one-third of the inter ventricular septum usually arise from the right coronary artery (RCA) or the left circumflex artery (LCx). Posterior descending artery arising from the left anterior descending artery is a rare anomaly. A66-year man presented with chest pain, ECG changes, and raised biomarkers. A diagnosis of non-STelevation myocardial infarction was made. Coronary angiogram, done on the next day, revealed the posterior descending artery as a continuation of the left anterior descending artery (LAD) beyond the crux and a rudimentary right coronary artery. The left anterior descending artery had subcritical stenosis in proximal course (confirmed on fractional flow reserve) and was advised medical treatment.
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