[Surgical Treatment for Anomalous Aortic Origin of Coronary Arteries]
Ryo Hirayama1, Ryusuke Suzuki, Toshiaki Watanabe
1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Japanese Red Cross Kumamoto Hospital, Kumamoto, Japan.
Insights
Anomalous aortic origin of coronary arteries (AAOCA) requires surgical intervention. Three cases demonstrate successful surgical treatments, including coronary artery bypass grafting and coronary artery repair, preventing sudden cardiac death.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiac Surgery
- Congenital Heart Disease
Background:
- Anomalous aortic origin of coronary arteries (AAOCA) is a rare congenital heart defect.
- It can lead to myocardial ischemia, infarction, and sudden cardiac death, particularly in young athletes.
- Early diagnosis and appropriate surgical management are crucial for favorable outcomes.
Observation:
- Case 1: A 38-year-old male with cardiopulmonary arrest due to right coronary artery arising from the left coronary sinus.
- Case 2: A 76-year-old female with left coronary artery arising from the right coronary sinus and left anterior descending stenosis.
- Case 3: A 58-year-old male with anomalous left coronary artery and aortic valve regurgitation presenting with intraoperative ST-segment elevation.
Findings:
- Successful surgical treatment for AAOCA in all three cases.
- Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with ligation for the anomalous right coronary artery.
- CABG for anomalous left coronary artery with stenosis.
- Intramural coronary artery unroofing for left coronary artery obstruction.
Implications:
- Surgical correction of AAOCA is effective in preventing adverse cardiac events.
- Diverse surgical strategies can be tailored to specific AAOCA variations.
- Timely surgical intervention improves prognosis and reduces the risk of sudden cardiac death.
Abstract:
Anomalous aortic origin of coronary arteries is rare. We report 3 cases of surgical treatment for anomalous aortic origin of coronary arteries. Case 1 was a 38-year-old man who was saved by the use of an automated external defibrillator from cardiopulmonary arrest while exercising. The coronary angiogram showed the right coronary artery arising from the left coronary sinus of Valsalva and being located between the aorta and the pulmonary trunk. He underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) using the right internal thoracic artery with ligation of proximal part of right coronary artery to prevent sudden death. Case 2 was a 76-year-old woman with the left coronary artery arising from the right coronary sinus of Valsalva and proximal left anterior descending coronary artery stenosis. She underwent CABG. Case 3 was a 58-year-old man with severe aortic valve regurgitation. He underwent aortic valve replacement. During weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass, the electrocardiogram revealed ST-segment elevation. Transesophageal echocardiography showed intramural segment of the left coronary artery and obstruction of the left coronary blood flow. Repair was accomplished by unroofing the intramural segment. All the cases were successfully treated by surgical treatment.
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