Understanding Coronary Artery Anomalies A Case Based Insight

Case Reports: Unveiling Coronary Artery Anomalies

Case 1: A 54-Year-Old Patient with Undiagnosed RCA Anomaly
A 54-year-old male with dyslipidemia presented with dyspnea (stage II) and abnormal echocardiographic findings. His coronary angiography failed to visualize the right coronary artery (RCA), leading to a subsequent CT scan, which revealed an RCA originating from the anterolateral sinus with an inter-pulmonary course. Due to technical complexities, surgery was not performed.

Case 2: A 45-Year-Old Patient with Suspected STEMI
A 45-year-old male with hypertension, smoking history, and obesity presented with chest pain and ECG abnormalities indicative of STEMI. Coronary angiography did not visualize the RCA, and a CT scan confirmed an anomalous aortopulmonary course. Stress ultrasound was negative, leading to clinical monitoring rather than surgical intervention.

Clinical Significance of Coronary Artery Anomalies These congenital anomalies, affecting approximately 0.1%–0.3% of the population, are a significant cause of sudden cardiac death, especially among young athletes. Key factors contributing to this risk include intramural arterial courses, stenotic ostia, and compression between the aorta and pulmonary artery.

Diagnostic Approaches and Treatment Strategies

  • Non-invasive Imaging: CT and MRI play a crucial role in identifying the anomaly’s anatomical course.
  • Surgical Intervention: Indicated for symptomatic patients or those with stress-induced ischemia.
  • Clinical Monitoring: Recommended for asymptomatic cases with no ischemic signs.

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