A Rare Presentation of Angina and Arrhythmia in Absent Left Main Coronary Artery

Shoaib Ashraf1, Syeda Hafsah Salman2, Nisha Ali2

  • 1Internal Medicine, Bronx Care Health System Affiliated with Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Bronx, USA.

Cureus
|January 25, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Congenital absence of the left main coronary artery (LMCA) is rare but can cause angina and arrhythmia. This case highlights the importance of considering this anomaly in patients with such symptoms.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Congenital Heart Disease
  • Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

  • Coronary artery anomalies (CAAs) encompass diverse congenital variations in coronary ostia.
  • Congenitally absent left main coronary artery (LMCA) is a rare CAA with potential for severe complications.
  • Diagnosing CAAs in low-risk patients can be challenging.

Observation:

  • A 69-year-old female presented with exercise-induced angina and arrhythmia.
  • Initial electrocardiogram (EKG) and nuclear stress tests were inconclusive.
  • Coronary angiography revealed separate origins of the LAD and LCX from the left coronary sinus, indicating absent LMCA.

Findings:

  • The patient's symptoms were attributed to the congenital absence of the LMCA.
  • This anomaly, though often asymptomatic, can manifest as exertional chest pain, palpitations, syncope, or sudden cardiac death.
  • Separate ostial origins for LAD and LCX are key angiographic findings.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the necessity of including absent LMCA in the differential diagnosis for patients presenting with angina.
  • Prompt and thorough evaluation of angina and arrhythmia symptoms is crucial.
  • Coronary angiography and electrophysiological testing are vital diagnostic tools for this rare condition.

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