The anomalous septal perforating artery. Its origin from the first diagonal, first marginal, or circumflex artery

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Anatomy
• Interventional Cardiology
• Coronary Artery Anatomy

Background:

• The septal perforating arteries typically arise from the left anterior descending artery.
• Variations in coronary artery anatomy can impact surgical and interventional procedures.
• Understanding anomalous coronary origins is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the incidence and angiographic characteristics of septal perforating arteries originating from the left coronary system, excluding the left anterior descending artery.
• To analyze the specific origins of these anomalous arteries.
• To discuss the potential clinical significance of this anatomical finding.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of coronary angiograms from 800 patients over 14 months.
• Identification and categorization of septal perforating arteries originating from non-left anterior descending coronary artery sources.
• Detailed description of angiographic findings.

Main Results:

• Eighteen out of 800 patients (2.25%) exhibited septal perforating arteries arising from the proximal left coronary system, excluding the left anterior descending artery.
• The most common origin was the first diagonal artery (12 patients).
• Other origins included the proximal circumflex artery (2 patients) and the first marginal artery (4 patients).

Conclusions:

• Anomalous origin of septal perforating arteries from the left coronary system is an infrequent finding.
• The first diagonal artery is the most common source for these variations.
• Awareness of this anatomical variation is important for cardiologists and cardiac surgeons.