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Updated: Jun 26, 2026

Identifying Coronary Artery Calcification on Non-gated Computed Tomography Scans
04:40

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Published on: August 28, 2018

Coronary Artery Anomalies and Anatomical Variants: Cross-Sectional Diagnostic Imaging and Clinical Background

Nicolò Schicchi1, Francesco Bianco2, Marco Fogante1

  • 1Maternal-Child, Senological, Cardiological Radiology and Outpatient Ultrasound, Department of Radiological Sciences, University Hospital of Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy.

Journal of Imaging
|June 25, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Coronary artery anomalies (CAAs) are increasingly recognized as a cause of heart ischemia. This review summarizes diagnostic imaging and clinical details of CAAs.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Radiology
  • Anatomy

Background:

  • Coronary artery atherosclerosis is a major global health issue.
  • Coronary artery anomalies (CAAs) are increasingly identified as significant causes of ischemic events.
  • CAAs involve variations in the origin, course, or termination of coronary arteries.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive overview of coronary artery anomalies (CAAs).
  • To summarize current cross-sectional diagnostic imaging modalities for CAAs.
  • To outline the clinical significance and presentation of CAAs.

Main Methods:

  • This study is a narrative review.
  • It synthesizes information from existing literature on CAAs.
  • Focuses on diagnostic imaging techniques and clinical data.

Main Results:

  • CAAs can manifest with diverse anatomical variations.
  • Diagnostic imaging plays a crucial role in identifying CAAs.
  • Understanding CAAs is vital for managing ischemic events.

Conclusions:

  • Coronary artery anomalies represent an important differential diagnosis for cardiac ischemia.
  • Cross-sectional imaging is essential for accurate detection and characterization of CAAs.
  • This review provides a foundation for understanding the clinical relevance of CAAs.

Keywords:
classificationcomputed tomographycoronary angiographycoronary artery anomaliesintravascular ultrasoundmagnetic resonance imagingmanagementnuclear medicine imaging modalitiesultrasoundvariants

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