Prevalence and morphologic features of dual left anterior descending artery subtypes in coronary CT angiography

The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence of dual left anterior descending artery and define the morphological features using coronary computed tomography angiography in order to raise awareness of dual left anterior descending artery among radiologists.

The radiologic reports of 1912 patients who underwent coronary computed tomography angiography at our institution were searched retrospectively for the presence of dual left anterior descending artery. Computed tomography images of patients with dual left anterior descending artery were then reviewed, and the morphological features of dual left anterior descending artery were evaluated.

Dual left anterior descending artery was identified in 1.3% of the patients in this study population. Type 1 dual left anterior descending artery was the most common subtype (76%). Four additional cases that were not classified before were also detected.

Dual left anterior descending artery has a variety of subtypes reported mostly as odd cases, and gaining diagnostic awareness of dual left anterior descending artery is more critical, rather than listing and counting the subtypes. With the widespread use of coronary computed tomography angiography, it has become essential for radiologists to have knowledge about dual left anterior descending artery, as it is vital, especially for surgical planning.