Descripción de dos casos de síndrome de ALCAPA / Description of two cases of ALCAPA syndrome

Resumen El origen anómalo de la arteria coronaria izquierda desde la arteria pulmonar o, por su sigla en inglés, síndrome de ALCAPA (Anomalous origin of the Left Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery), también conocido como síndrome Bland-White-Garland es una rara cardiopatía congénita; sin embargo, es una de las causas más comunes de falla cardiaca, isquemia e infarto de miocardio en niños, que, en ausencia de tratamiento, alcanza una tasa de mortalidad del 35 al 85 % en el primer año de vida. Hay dos tipos de síndrome de ALCAPA, aquel que se presenta en infantes y el que ocurre en adultos. El segundo tipo es raro y puede manifestarse como infarto de miocardio, disfunción ventricular izquierda e insuficiencia mitral, o isquemia silente que podría llevar a muerte súbita. Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 30 años, con cardiopatía dilatada y disfunción ventricular severa, secundaria a síndrome de ALCAPA, y el caso de un paciente de 61 años con cuadro de dolor torácico en quien se documentó el mismo síndrome.

Abstract The anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery or its acronym ALCAPA syndrome (Anomalous Origin of the Left Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery), also known as Blande-Whitee-Garland syndrome, is a rare congenital heart disease. However, one of the most common causes of heart failure, ischemia and myocardial infarction in children, which in the absence of treatment, reaches a mortality rate of 35 to 85% in the first year of life. There are two types of ALCAPA syndrome, that occurs in infants and adults. The presentation of the second type is rare and can manifest as myocardial infarction, left ventricular dysfunction and mitral insufficiency, or silent ischemia that could lead to sudden death. We present the case of a 30-year-old patient with dilated cardiomyopathy and severe ventricular dysfunction, secondary to the ALCAPA syndrome, another case of a 61-year-old patient with chest pain where the mentioned syndrome was documented.

Origen anómalo de la arteria coronaria izquierda a partir de la arteria pulmonar / Anomalous origin of left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery

Introducción: El origen anómalo de la arteria coronaria izquierda que nace en la arteria pulmonar, conocido como síndrome de Bland, White y Garland, es una enfermedad cardiaca congénita, de baja incidencia, espectro clínico variable y no es exclusiva de la edad pediátrica. Tiene una alta mortalidad en el primer año de vida si no se diagnostica y trata oportunamente. Objetivo: Describir las características del diagnóstico del síndrome de Bland, White y Garland. Métodos: Se realizó la caracterización de la entidad en Cuba en un decenio (2005 a 2015). Se incluyeron todos los pacientes con manifestaciones clínicas sugerentes de síndrome de Bland, White y Garland y confirmación ecocardiográfica. Se realizó el cálculo de la prevalencia de la entidad y se empleó el porcentaje en las variables cualitativas y la prueba exacta de Fisher. La validación estadística de los resultados de la investigación adoptó nivel de significación menor a 5 por ciento. Resultados: La prevalencia estimada en esa década en Cuba estaba alrededor de 2,9 por 300 000 nacidos vivos. Se demuestra la variabilidad en sus manifestaciones clínicas y amplio rango de edad de presentación. El tratamiento es quirúrgico con excelente supervivencia y pronóstico. Conclusiones: El diagnóstico del síndrome de Bland, White y Garland es difícil mediante el método clínico debido a la diversidad en su presentación. La prevalencia estimada en Cuba es mayor que lo registrado en el mundo actual. El diagnóstico temprano y tratamiento oportuno mejora de forma significativa la supervivencia y el pronóstico de los pacientes aquejados por esta dolencia(AU)

Introduction: The anomalous origin of left coronary artery that originates in the pulmonary artery, known as Bland, White and Garland is a congenital heart disease, with low incidence, variable clinical spectrum and is not exclusive of the pediatric age group. It has a high mortality in the first year of life if not diagnosed and treated early. Objective: To describe the characteristics of the diagnosis of Bland, White and Garland syndrome. Methods: It was made the characterization of the entity in Cuba in a decade (2005 to 2015). There were included all the patients with clinical manifestations suggestive to Bland, White and Garland syndrome and echocardiographic confirmation. It was made the calculation of this entity´s prevalence and it was used the percentage in the qualitative variables and Fisher's exact test. The statistical validation of research results had a significance level lower than 5 percent. Results: The estimated prevalence in that decade in Cuba was around 2.9 per 300 000 live births. It was demonstrated the variability in its clinical manifestations and wide range of onset´s age. The treatment is surgical with excellent survival and prognosis. Conclusions: The diagnosis of Bland, White and Garland syndrome is difficult through the clinical method due to the diversity in its presentation. The estimated prevalence in Cuba is greater than what was registered in the world today. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment significantly improves the survival and prognosis of patients suffering from this condition(AU)

An Infant Case of Anomalous Origin of the Left Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery Successfully Treated with Modified Spiral Cuff Technique / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

The patient was a six-month-old girl with an anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA). She had fever and visited a family physician at 5 months of age. Because of poor oxygenation, she was referred to our pediatric department and intubated soon after hospitalization. Echocardiography showed that the orifice of left coronary artery was just above pulmonary commissure, the left ventricular ejection fraction was 9%, and the level of mitral regurgitation was moderate. Right coronary angiography showed that the left coronary artery contrasted against the collateral arteries. The left coronary artery originated from the left side of the pulmonary trunk. After recovery of the general condition with medical therapy, the patient underwent coronary artery reconstruction by the modified spiral cuff technique on the 21st day of hospitalization. The temporary detachment of pulmonary valve and its commissure for making a margin around the left coronary artery enabled us to make the spiral cuff in almost the usual manner. She was moved to the intensive care unit with the support of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) and was successfully weaned off the VA-ECMO 5 days after the surgery. The postoperative course was good, and she was discharged from our hospital 3 months after the surgery. The echocardiogram one year after the surgery showed a left ventricular ejection fraction of 30%, mild mitral regurgitation, and mild pulmonary regurgitation. Our experience indicates that the spiral cuff technique is a useful coronary reconstruction method for the treatment of ALCAPA, especially in cases presenting a considerable distance between the origin of the left coronary artery and the transplantation site. There are few reports regarding the surgical treatment of infantile ALCAPA showing reduced left ventricular function. Coronary artery reconstruction using the spiral cuff method and planned VA-ECMO are useful surgical procedures in such cases. Our experience also suggests that the establishment of a treatment strategy including mechanical support is essential to improve the results in severe ALCAPA cases.

Long-term assessment of left ventricular ejection fraction and mitral regurgitation following takeuchi repair

Abstract Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the early operative outcomes and to compare the left ventricle and mitral valve functions after initial Takeuchi repair in patients with anomalous left coronary arising from pulmonary artery (ALCAPA). Methods: Fourteen patients (5 males, 9 females; mean age 4.3 years, ranging from 25 days to 34 years) who were operated for ALCAPA between 2007 and 2018 were included in this study. Data were evaluated retrospectively based on our medical records. Results: Hospital mortality rate was 7.1% (n=1). Thirteen surviving patients were kept in follow-up mean 4.3±3.05 years. When compared to preoperative measurements, both left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), (P=0.007) and mitral regurgitation (MR) (P=0.001) significantly improved before discharge. Moreover, LVEF values were improved in the late follow-up, considering early postoperative outcomes, and this alteration was significant (P=0.014). Nevertheless, alteration in the degree of MR among patients did not differ in the long-term follow-up (P=0.180). There was no late-term mortality or need for reoperation among patients. Conclusion: Although some centers prefer to direct implantation in ALCAPA, Takeuchi procedure can be accepted as a reliable method that provides satisfactory long-term results, considering that it aids to improve left ventricle ejection fraction and reduced mitral valve regurgitation.

Longa sobrevivência em paciente com síndrome de ALCAPA não corrigida: Relato de caso e revisão da literatura

A origem anômala da artéria coronária esquerda da artéria pulmonar (síndrome de Bland-White-Garland ou ALCAPA: anomalous left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery) é uma cardiopatia congênita rara. Apresenta predominantemente na infância e suas principais formas de apresentação são como isquemia miocárdica ou insuficiência cardíaca. A sobrevivência à idade adulta é bastante incomum. Se não tratada, a mortalidade por ALCAPA se aproxima ao 90% na infância, portanto o reconhecimento precoce e a correção cirúrgica são essenciais. Apresentamos um caso de uma mulher de 56 anos, que acompanha em nosso ambulatório com o diagnóstico de síndrome de ALCAPA, e com piora recente da classe funcional de dispnéia.

The anomalous origin of the coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA or White-Bland-Garland syndrome) is a rare congenital cardiopathy. It presents predominantly in childhood and its main presentation forms are myocardial ischemia and heart failure. The survival to adulthood is unusual. If not treated, mortality by ALCAPA syndrome is close to 90% in childhood, therefore, the early recognition and surgical repair are essential. We present the case of a 56 years old woman, followed by our ambulatory with the ALCAPA Syndrome diagnosis, and recent functional class and dyspnea worsening

Evaluation of anomalous coronary arteries from the pulmonary artery

Abstract Objective: This study evaluated clinical and diagnostic findings, treatment methods, and follow-up of cases of anomalous coronary arteries from the pulmonary artery. Methods: The study included all cases diagnosed with anomalous coronary arteries from the pulmonary artery between January 2012 and January 2016. Data from patients’ demographic characteristics, electrocardiography, echocardiography, angiographic findings, operation, intensive care unit stay, and follow-up were evaluated. Results: The study included 12 patients (8 male, 4 female), 10 with anomalous left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) and 2 with anomalous right coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ARCAPA). Median age at diagnosis was 4 months (range, 1 month - 10 years old) and median weight was 5.5 kg (range, 3-30 kg). The most common complaints were murmur (n=7) and respiratory distress (n=5). In 4 cases, the initial diagnosis was dilated cardiomyopathy. Electrocardiographs were pathologic in all cases. Echocardiographic examination revealed medium to severe mitral valve regurgitation in 4 cases and reduced (< 40%) ejection fraction in 6 patients. Of the 12 patients, 8 underwent direct implantation of the left coronary artery into the aorta, 2 underwent implantation of the right coronary artery into the aorta, and the remaining 2 underwent a Takeuchi procedure. There were no early mortalities. Median hospital stay was 20 days (range, 5-35 days). Median follow-up duration was 18 months (range, 5-36 months), and no cases required further surgery during follow-up. Conclusions: Anomalous coronary arteries from the pulmonary artery can be successfully repaired providing there is early diagnosis and effective, appropriate intensive care unit follow-up. Therefore, coronary artery origins should be evaluated carefully, especially in cases with dilated cardiomyopathies.

Síndrome de ALCAPA en adulto: caso clínico / Anomalous left coronary artery origin from the pulmonary artery causing angina: report of one case

Anomalies of the origin of coronary arteries are detected in 0.5-1.5% of all angiographies. Anomalous origin of the left main trunk is the most uncommon and its origin from pulmonary artery in adults is exceptional, usually because it is associated with a short survival. We report a 49-year-old female, presenting with a two months history of angina. The exercise electrocardiogram suggested ischemia. A coronary angiography was performed, showing the absence of the left main trunk in the left coronary sinus, a dilated right coronary artery, with no lesions and extensive collateral circulation to the anterior descending and circumflex arteries, with inverted flow and the left main trunk draining to the pulmonary artery. The left ventricle was mildly dilated with middle and apical anterior hypokinesia. Global systolic function was conserved. A surgical correction was decided, occluding the left main anomalous origin and performing a coronary artery bypass grafting from the left internal thoracic artery. The patient was discharged with no complications. At two years of follow-up she is symptom free and has a normal physical capacity.

Síndrome de Bland-White-Garland / Bland-White-Garland syndrome

El síndrome de Bland-White-Garland constituye un defecto congénito poco frecuente, pero grave; el 90 % de los pacientes mueren en el primer año de vida si no reciben tratamiento. Desde el período previo a la ecocardiografía hasta la actualidad se describe en los textos una prevalencia de 1 por 300 000 nacidos vivos. Su forma de presentación clínica es variada, y a pesar de ser una anomalía de origen congénito, no es exclusiva de las edades pediátricas. Existen niños que padecen la variedad adulta del síndrome, sujetos enmarcados bajo la fachada clínica de otras entidades nosológicas, o, incluso, que cursan de manera silente, por lo que constituye un grave problema de salud. Su tratamiento es quirúrgico, con supervivencia y pronóstico apropiados si se diagnostica en etapa precoz.

Bland-White-Garland syndrome is a rare but serious congenital defect since 90% of patients may die in the first year of life if they are not duly treated. From the period prior to the emergence of echocardiography up to the present day, the prevalence described in literature is 1 per 300 000 live births. Its clinical presentation is varied, and in spite of the fact that it is an anomaly of congenital origin, it does not only occur in pediatric ages. There are children suffering the adult variety of the syndrome; others who are masked under the clinical umbrella of other diseases or even children who are asymptomatic, so this syndrome can represent a serious health problem. Surgical treatment is the choice, with adequate prognosis and survival if diagnosis is made at early phase.

Late presentation of ALCAPA syndrome in an elderly Asian lady

Coronary artery anomalies are often discovered incidentally during cardiac catheterization or computed tomography coronary angiography and may involve the affected coronary artery origin and its course. Coronary artery anomalies are associated with congenital heart disease. The affected coronary arteries may have an unusual high take off origin, origin from contralateral or non-coronary sinus, origin from the pulmonary artery, single coronary system or coronary artery fistula.

An Alternative Surgical Technique for Repair of Anomalous Origin of the Left Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery

BACKGROUND: For the surgical management of anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA), there have been various techniques that reduce the tension and kinking of the coronary artery during reimplantation to the aorta. The aim of this study is to describe the results of our modified technique of coronary reimplantation for the treatment of ALCAPA. METHODS: Between October 2003 and February 2011, seven patients underwent coronary reimplantation with the modified technique (tubing formation with the sinus wall of the pulmonary artery and trapdoor formation at the site of implantation in the aorta). The median follow-up duration was 52 months (range, 4 to 72 months). Clinical outcomes and serial echocardiographic data were reviewed. RESULTS: There was no mortality. One patient had a small amount of cerebral hemorrhage postoperatively and improved without any sequelae. Another patient had left diaphragm palsy and underwent diaphragm plication. Follow-up echocardiogram showed that all patients had normal ventricular function without chamber enlargement. CONCLUSION: Our modified technique (tubing formation with the sinus wall of the pulmonary artery and trapdoor formation at the site of implantation in the aorta) demonstrated successful clinical outcomes. We conclude that this surgical technique can be a potential alternative for the treatment of ALCAPA.

Anomalous origin of left coronary artery with left anterior descending artery connected to left pulmonary artery from single right coronary artery / Origen anómalo de la arteria coronaria izquierda con la arteria descendente anterior izquierda conectada a la arteria pulmonar izquierda a partirde la arteria coronaria derecha única

Single right coronary artery, so defined because all three coronary arteries arise from the single right aortic sinus of Valsalva, is an extremely rare entity occurring in less than 0.03% of the population. This case identifies a single coronary artery with the left anterior descending coronary artery distally connected to the left pulmonary artery with development of pulmonary hypertension. To the author's knowledge, this has never been documented in the English literature.

La arteria coronaria derecha única, definida así porque las tres arterias coronarias salen de un solo seno aórtico derecho de Valsalva, es una entidad extremadamente rara, que ocurre en menos de 0.03% de la población. Este caso identifica una arteria coronaria única con la arteria coronaria descendente anterior izquierda, conectada de forma distal a la arteria pulmonar izquierda con desarrollo de hipertensión pulmonar. Hasta donde el autor conoce, un caso como éste no ha sido nunca reportado en la literatura existente en inglés.

Anomalous Origin of the Left Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery : Report of an Adult Case

Anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA), also termed Bland-White-Garland syndrome, is a rare congenital cardiac anomaly characterized by myocardial ischemia which becomes symptomatic during early infancy leading to infarction, left heart failure or even death. More than 90% of patients can be dead within first year of life if untreated, so adult type ALCAPA without surgical correction is quitely rare. We present a case of a 20-year-old man with ALPACA syndrome whose diagnosis took several years to be made because he was mistaken to have organic mitral regurgitation.

A case of anomalous left coronary artery from pulmonary artery (Bland-White-garland sysndrome)

An anomalous left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery(Bland-White-Garland syndrome) is a rare congenital malformation and sometimes fatal. It is caused by an abberant endothelial budding from or an anomalous division of the truncus arteriosus. Echocardiography (transthoracic and transesophageal) and angiographical imaging are essential for the diagnosis of this anomaly. Corrective Surgery is recommended due to its fatal natural course. A case was diagnosed in a 45-year-old man who presented with intermittent palpitation. This patient was successfully treated with closure of anomalous left coronary artery orifice combined with right saphenous vein graft anastomosis.