Intra-Atrial Right Coronary Artery and Anomalous Origin of Left Circumflex Artery Found Concurrently
Peter C Olson1, Michael Cinelli2, Hamfreth S Rahming3
1Cardiovascular Imaging Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
Insights
Coronary artery anomalies (CAAs) are rare anatomical variations. This case highlights a young patient with two concurrent CAAs found via coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA), emphasizing diagnostic challenges.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Radiology
- Anatomy
Background:
- Coronary artery anomalies (CAAs) represent diverse structural variations in coronary artery origin and course.
- These anomalies pose diagnostic and interventional challenges for cardiologists and surgeons.
- Accurate identification is crucial for risk stratification and management.
Observation:
- A young patient presented to the emergency room with chest pain.
- Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) revealed two concurrent coronary artery anomalies.
- The patient was managed conservatively due to low cardiovascular risk.
Findings:
- The case underscores the complexity of diagnosing multiple CAAs.
- Literature review on CAA prevalence and high-risk features is presented.
- Challenges faced by cardiologists during angiography for CAAs are highlighted.
Implications:
- Further research into pharmacological, angiographic, and surgical interventions for CAAs is warranted.
- This case provides guidance for evaluating and managing patients with similar findings.
- Improved understanding can enhance patient care and practitioner confidence in managing CAAs.
Abstract:
Coronary artery anomalies (CAAs) are known to be anatomical aberrations in the origin and structure. Due to the diverse anatomical variants, surgeons and angiographers have struggled when faced with patients who have CAA. To frame the complicated issues surrounding CAA, we present a case of a young patient found to have two CAAs, concurrently on coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA), while in the emergency room being evaluated for chest pain. Patient was medically observed without any invasive procedure since he was deemed to have low cardiovascular risk. Subsequently, literature on prevalence, as well as high risk findings are reviewed. Further studies to evaluate pharmacological, angiographic, and surgical interventions may have additional benefit for both patients and practitioners. Our aim is to help shed the light on difficulties cardiologists are facing during angiography. Additionally, our paper offers some guidance for how to evaluate and follow patients with similar findings into the future.
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