Single coronary artery complicated with type A aortic dissection: a case report.

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Congenital coronary artery anomalies are uncommon cardiovascular conditions.
• Aortic dissection, particularly type A, is a life-threatening emergency.
• The co-occurrence of these two conditions is exceptionally rare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a unique case of type A aortic dissection in a patient with a single coronary artery.
• To highlight the diagnostic and management challenges associated with this rare combination.
• To contribute to the limited existing literature on single coronary artery anomalies and aortic dissection.

Main Methods:

• Case presentation of a 77-year-old female with sudden onset back pain.
• Diagnosis of type A acute aortic dissection confirmed via imaging.
• Incidental finding of a single coronary artery anomaly on computed tomography (CT).
• Surgical intervention for aortic arch replacement due to re-dissection.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with type A aortic dissection and was initially managed conservatively.
• Computed tomography revealed an anomalous single coronary artery originating from the left sinus of Valsalva.
• The patient underwent successful aortic arch replacement surgery for re-dissection.
• Postoperative recovery was uneventful with discharge after 14 days.

Conclusions:

• This case underscores the importance of recognizing rare congenital anomalies in patients with aortic emergencies.
• Management of aortic dissection in the presence of coronary anomalies requires careful consideration.
• Further research into the relationship between coronary artery variations and aortic pathologies is warranted.