Open ended circulation pattern: a rare case of a protective coronary artery variation and review of the literature

Int J Cardiol. 2006 Oct 10;112(3):e63-5. doi: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2006.02.034. Epub 2006 Jul 17.

Abstract

Persistent intercoronary communications, forming the so-called open ended coronary circulation pattern, are rare findings of coronary angiography. A case of intercoronary connection between the left anterior descending artery (LAD) and the right coronary artery (RCA), with an obstructive lesion, and no evidence of myocardial infarction is presented. This is an exceptional variant, only 20 cases of which were found in the literature. The potential protective role of this anomaly against occlusive coronary artery disease is discussed and similar reports are reviewed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Coronary Angiography
  • Coronary Artery Disease / prevention & control
  • Coronary Circulation*
  • Coronary Vessel Anomalies / diagnostic imaging
  • Coronary Vessel Anomalies / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Male