Anomalous Coronary Arteries: A Cause for Malignant Arrhythmias
Atif AlQubbany1,2,3, Yazeed Alqurashi4, Amin Zagzoog1,2,3
1Department of Cardiac Sciences, King Faisal Cardiac Center, National Guard Hospital, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah, SAU.
Insights
Anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery (AAOCA) can cause sudden cardiac death in young people. Surgical unroofing of an anomalous right coronary artery (ARCA) in a young adult prevented further cardiac events.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Congenital Heart Disease
- Cardiac Surgery
Background:
- Anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery (AAOCA) is a rare congenital heart defect.
- AAOCA can lead to myocardial ischemia and sudden cardiac death (SCD), especially in young athletes.
- Surgical intervention is recommended for symptomatic patients.
Observation:
- A 24-year-old male presented with syncope, dyspnea, and palpitations.
- He was diagnosed with anomalous right coronary artery (ARCA) originating from the left coronary sinus.
- The patient had no prior medical history.
Findings:
- The patient underwent successful surgical unroofing of the ARCA.
- This intervention aimed to prevent recurrent ischemia and ventricular arrhythmias.
- The case underscores the potential severity of coronary artery anomalies.
Implications:
- Coronary artery anomalies are a critical cause of SCD in young, otherwise healthy individuals.
- Prompt diagnosis and surgical management of AAOCA are vital.
- Investigating coronary anomalies is crucial for patients with unexplained cardiac symptoms and arrhythmias.
Abstract:
Anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery (AAOCA) is a congenital condition that can lead to sudden cardiac death (SCD), particularly among young individuals. The cause of SCD is thought to be ischemia, primarily related to the course of the anomalous coronary artery. Surgical intervention, such as unroofing or coronary revascularization, is the preferred management modality for patients with evidence of ischemia or concomitant fixed obstruction. Herein, we presented a case of a 24-year-old male admitted to the emergency department with a history of palpitations, dyspnea, diaphoresis, and syncope. The patient had no prior medical diseases and was eventually diagnosed with an anomalous right coronary artery (ARCA) originating from the left coronary sinus. The patient underwent surgical unroofing of the ARCA to prevent further episodes of ischemia and ventricular arrhythmias. The case highlights that coronary artery anomalies can be life-threatening and lead to SCD, especially in young individuals with no risk factors. Investigating coronary anomalies in medically free patients presenting with cardiac symptoms and arrhythmias is crucial.
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