A case report of right coronary artery agenesis diagnosed by computed tomography coronary angiography
Ernesto Forte1, Bruna Punzo1, Marco Agrusta2
1IRCCS SDN, Naples.
Insights
Computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) diagnosed a rare single coronary artery anomaly in a woman with abnormal exercise tests. This imaging modality effectively differentiated congenital heart anomalies from coronary artery disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Congenital Heart Disease
- Coronary Artery Anomalies
Background:
- Single coronary artery is a rare congenital anomaly where the entire heart is supplied by one coronary ostium.
- Coronary artery anomalies can mimic or coexist with coronary artery disease (CAD).
Observation:
- A 45-year-old woman presented with an altered exercise test, prompting evaluation for CAD.
- Computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) revealed the absence of the right coronary artery (RCA).
- The left anterior descending artery and left circumflex artery (LCX) had normal origins, with the LCX supplying the posterior interventricular and posterolateral arteries.
Findings:
- CTCA confirmed a single coronary artery anomaly without immediately life-threatening features.
- The anomaly was distinguished from significant coronary artery disease.
- No surgical intervention was deemed necessary.
Implications:
- CTCA is a crucial first-line imaging tool for evaluating ECG abnormalities.
- It enables accurate differential diagnosis between CAD and congenital heart conditions.
- Non-invasive imaging aids in management decisions for coronary anomalies.
Introduction:
Single coronary artery is a rare condition characterized by the origin of a coronary that supplies the entire heart from a single coronary ostium.
Patient Concerns:
A 45-year-old woman with an altered exercise testing was addressed to a computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) to rule out coronary artery disease (CAD).
Diagnosis:
CTCA examination showed the absence of the right coronary artery (RCA). The left anterior descending artery and the left circumflex artery (LCX) presented regular origin and course and LCX provided the posterior interventricular artery and the posterolateral artery.
Interventions:
As CTCA highlighted the absence of potentially life-threatening features related to coronary anomaly, no surgical treatment was advised.
Outcomes:
The patient was dismissed, kept under pharmacological control and monitored over time.
Conclusion:
CTCA is the first-choice imaging modality in patients with ECG abnormalities properly allowing the differential diagnosis between CAD and congenital heart disease.
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