Value of echocardiography in the diagnosis of anomalous origin of left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery / 中华超声影像学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore the value of echocardiography in the diagnosis of anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) in children.Methods The echocardiographic images of 14 patients with ALCAPA confirmed by operation and 18 patients with endocardial fibroelastosis (EFE) diagnosed by clinical were compared and analyzed.Results Both ALCAPA and EFE exhibited obvious dilated left ventricle,decreased left ventricular systolic function,thick endocardium and mitral regurgitation of different degree.The former additionally showed dilated right coronary artery(RCA) with normal origin,left coronary artery(LCA) emerging from the root or wall of the pulmonary artery(PA),the retrograde flow into PA in LCA and abundant collateral vessels in myocardium.However the later exhibited normal diameter of LCA and RCA and no collateral vessels.Conclusions Color Doppler echocardiography not only demonstrates left ventricular systolic function,endocardium,mitrial regurgitation and collateral vessels in myocardium,but also shows the origination and courses of LCA clearly,which provide exact informations to diagnose ALCAPA.The echocardiography can be used as a powerful tool of ALCAPA diagnosis and preoperative assessment.