Coronary artery anomalies: a diagnostic challenge

ABSTRACT

Coronary artery anomalies [CAAs] are found in approximately 1% of all patients undergoing coronary angiography and in 0.3% of patients undergoing autopsy [Roberts, 1986]. CAAs may be classified into those of origin and course, intrinsic coronary arterial anatomy, and coronary termination [Angelini et al. 2002]. The most common malformation is abnormal origin and course, origin of a coronary artery from a wrong aortic sinus of Valsalva; either the right from the left coronary sinus or the left from the right coronary sinus; these anomalies must be excluded in young adults with typically ischemic- sounding chest pain or syncope. Anomalies coronary artery termination typically presented as coronary artery fistula, commonly the right coronary artery is affected, although, left sided coronary artery fistulae are well documented [Gandy et al. 2004]. The anomalies of intrinsic coronary arterial anatomy, such as ostial stenosis, Artesia, and single, absent, or hypoplastic coronary arteries are rare but may have clinical importance