Ectopic Origin of the Left Anterior Descending Artery from the Proximal Right Coronary Artery: An Imaging Report

Cardiology. 2019;142(3):175-179. doi: 10.1159/000497828. Epub 2019 Jun 18.

Abstract

Anomalies of the coronary arteries represent rare congenital disorders, which are characterized by a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations. Usually, they are asymptomatic, but sometimes they cause myocardial ischemia or sudden cardiac death. Here, we describe the case of a patient who suffered from angina. Coronary angiography revealed an ectopic origin of the left anterior descending coronary artery from the proximal trait of the right coronary artery and the left circumflex artery, originating from the left sinus; the whole coronary tree was free of atherosclerosis. To better define the coronary anatomy, we performed computed tomography angiography with a three-dimensional reconstruction. The patient was discharged from the clinic after 48 h under optimal medical treatment.

Keywords: Computed tomography; Coronary angiography; Coronary anomalies.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Angina Pectoris / etiology*
  • Cardiac Catheterization
  • Computed Tomography Angiography
  • Coronary Angiography
  • Coronary Vessel Anomalies / diagnostic imaging*
  • Coronary Vessel Anomalies / physiopathology
  • Coronary Vessels / diagnostic imaging*
  • Electrocardiography
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed