A Challenging Combination: Anomalous Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery, Myocardial Bridging, and Endothelial
Edward A El-Am1,2, Michel T Corban1, Amy W Pollak3
1Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States.
Insights
A patient with hypertension experienced chest pain due to an anomalous coronary artery and myocardial bridging. Medical treatment with nitrates, L-arginine, and calcium channel blockers resolved symptoms, highlighting effective management strategies.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Biology
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Coronary artery anomalies and myocardial bridging can cause significant ischemic symptoms.
- Endothelial dysfunction is increasingly recognized as a contributor to chest pain syndromes.
Observation:
- A 50-year-old female with hypertension presented with a 2-year history of chest pain, palpitations, and dyspnea on exertion.
- Diagnostic workup identified an anomalous left anterior descending artery with myocardial bridging and endothelial dysfunction.
Findings:
- Medical management was initiated using long-acting nitrates, L-arginine, and calcium channel blockers.
- The patient remained asymptomatic at a 12-month follow-up, indicating successful treatment.
Implications:
- This case demonstrates the successful medical management of complex coronary artery anomalies and endothelial dysfunction.
- Effective treatment strategies can significantly improve quality of life for patients with these challenging conditions.
Abstract:
50 years old female patient with a medical history of hypertension presented to the clinic with chest pain, palpitations, and dyspnea on exertion of 2 years duration. Extensive workup in search of the culprit etiology of her chest pain revealed a challenging combination of an anomalous left anterior descending artery with myocardial bridging and endothelial dysfunction. She was treated medically with long acting nitrates, L-arginine and calcium channel blockers, and remains asymptomatic after 12 months of follow up.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Coronary Circulation
Coronary circulation begins at the base of the aorta, where two main arteries arise—the left and right coronary arteries. These arteries encircle the heart in the coronary sulcus and supply the...
Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology
Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction
Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations
Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction
Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction


