A new variation of dual left anterior descending coronary artery

Yukitaka Shizukuda1,2, Mohamed Effat1,2

  • 1Division of Cardiovascular Health and Disease, Department of Internal Medicine University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA.

Journal of Cardiology Cases
|December 15, 2018
PubMed

Insights

A rare dual left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery variation was identified. This unique anatomical anomaly, characterized by a short and long LAD originating from different points, expands knowledge of coronary artery variations.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Anatomical Variations
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Coronary artery anomalies, including dual LAD, are uncommon but clinically significant.
  • Accurate identification is crucial for preventing misinterpretation during procedures and potential surgical complications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a novel variation of a dual left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery.
  • To highlight the role of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) in characterizing this anomaly.

Main Methods:

  • Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) was performed for atypical chest pain evaluation.
  • Subsequent coronary angiography confirmed the findings of CCTA.
  • Detailed anatomical description of the dual LAD system was documented.

Main Results:

  • A rare dual LAD anomaly was identified, with a short LAD originating from the left coronary sinus and a long LAD from the left main coronary artery.
  • This specific configuration has not been previously reported in medical literature.
  • The short LAD supplied septal and right ventricular branches, while the long LAD provided diagonal and distal septal branches.

Conclusions:

  • This case expands the known spectrum of dual LAD anatomical variations.
  • Awareness of such anomalies is essential for cardiology care providers to avoid misinterpretation of coronary angiography.
  • CCTA is a valuable tool for precise characterization of complex coronary artery anomalies.

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