Aortic Origin Coronary Artery Anomalies: A Case Series
Akin Torun1, Sahhan Kilic1, Mehmet Seker1
1Department of Cardiology, Sultan II. Abdulhamid Han Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, TUR.
Insights
Coronary artery anomalies (CAAs) are rare congenital heart conditions. This study highlights three unusual CAA cases, emphasizing the importance of their identification for accurate diagnosis and intervention in coronary artery disease patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Congenital Heart Disease
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Coronary artery anomalies (CAAs) are uncommon but can lead to severe complications and complicate coronary artery disease (CAD) management.
- Increased use of coronary computed tomography and angiography reveals a higher incidence of CAAs than previously recognized.
Observation:
- Three rare CAA cases are presented: a circumflex artery (CX) originating from the right ostium, an accessory CX from the right coronary artery (RCA) ostium, and an accessory left anterior descending artery (LAD) from the RCA ostium.
- All anomalies involved unusual ostial origins despite normal anatomical positioning of the main coronary arteries.
Findings:
- None of the presented cases exhibited high-risk features or led to patient symptoms during follow-up.
- The identified anomalies were exceptional and potentially overlooked, underscoring the need for vigilance.
Implications:
- Accurate identification of CAAs is crucial for effective CAD diagnosis and interventional procedures.
- Awareness of these rare anatomical variations can improve patient care and prevent diagnostic or therapeutic delays.
Abstract:
Coronary artery anomalies (CAAs) are rare, but they can cause serious consequences, complicate the diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD), and hamper the ability of the physician to perform the correct intervention for patients with CAD. The widespread use of coronary computed tomography and angiography has shown that the incidence is higher than previously thought. CAAs can occur with various anatomical features. We present three rare examples. The first example involves a circumflex artery (CX) that originates from a different ostium on the right side, despite the presence of left arteries in normal anatomical structures. The second case involves an accessory CX originating from the right coronary artery (RCA) ostium, despite the CX origin being in the left cusp. Finally, the third case involves an accessory left anterior descending artery (LAD) originating from the RCA ostium, despite the LAD origin being in the left cusp. There were no high-risk features in all three cases, and no symptoms were observed during follow-up with the patients. The occurrence of these cases is exceptional and may be overlooked; hence, their identification has significance.
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...
Thoracic Aorta
Abdominal Aorta
The celiac trunk, a singular artery, divides into the left gastric artery, which...
The Aorta
The average diameter of the aorta is approximately 2-3 cm, but the size can vary depending on the section of the aorta and the individual's age, sex, and body size. The aorta is...
Overview of Systemic Arteries
Systemic circulation is the part of the cardiovascular system that carries oxygenated blood away from the heart to the body's tissues and returns deoxygenated blood back to the...
The Arch of Aorta
Encircling the heart, the coronary arteries form a ring-like structure before...


