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.
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.
Abstract:
Coronary artery anomalies (CAAs) are congenital disorders with multiple variations in the number, shape, and location of the Ostia of the coronary arterial system. The congenitally absent left main coronary artery (LMCA) is a rare anomaly that can present with benign or fatal complications ahead in life. Diagnosis and management of CAAs are sometimes challenging in low-risk patients. We present a unique case report of a 69-year-old Hispanic female who presented to the hospital with exercise-induced arrhythmia and angina symptoms. The patient complained of several episodes of chest pain, dizziness, and palpitations for a duration of two months. Electrocardiogram (EKG) and nuclear stress tests were equivocal. The angiogram revealed the separate origin of the left anterior descending artery (LAD) and left circumflex coronary artery (LCX) from the left coronary sinus. This anomaly should be considered in differentials when evaluating patients with angina symptoms. Congenital absence of LMCA is a rare condition that remains asymptomatic in the majority of the cases. It can present with exertional chest pain, palpitations, syncope, and sudden cardiac death (SCD). Occurrences of angina and arrhythmia should be carefully evaluated, and symptoms should be followed up closely. A coronary angiogram and electrophysiological testing can assist in the diagnosis.
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