A case report of A-C bypass surgery in coronary atherosclerosis with anomalous origin of left coronary artery

Anomalous coronary artery originating from the aorta without complicated congenital cardiac anomaly is rare. We describe a case with the left coronary artery originating from the right sinus of Valsalva. Cardiac catheterization revealed a left coronary artery transverse between the aorta and the pulmonary artery. Severe atherosclerotic stenosis was present at segment 3 of the right coronary artery. Electrocardiogram and myocardial scintigraphy revealed that the angina occurred due to stenosis of the right coronary artery. We tried PTCA, but could not pass the catheter through the stenosis. After PTCA, he complained of anterior chest pain frequently, so we performed an aortocoronary bypass operation to the right coronary artery with saphenous vein graft. Postoperative course was not eventful and angina disappeared.     

Hypoplastic left coronary artery. In association with occlusive intimal thickening of a coronary artery with ectopic ostium and with atresia of the left coronary ostium

Two cases of hypoplastic coronary artery (HCA) are presented. Case 1, a 13 year old girl, died suddenly during a long distance race. She had HLCA with marked intimal thickening and an ectopic left coronary ostium above the commisure between the non-coronary and left coronary cusp at post mortem examination. The right coronary artery (RCA) was enlarged and also supplied parts of the area normally supplied by the left coronary artery (LCA). Pathological findings revealed a normal RCA and an extremely hypoplastic LCA with occlusive proliferation of the intima and a myocardial infarction of the left ventricle. Case 2, a 6 year old girl, had a history of effort angina. Selective coronary angiography was performed which failed to demonstrate the orifice of the LCA by aortography. However, the hypoplastic LCA was visualized by RCA angiography as a consequence of anomalous collaterals from the atrioventricular branch of the RCA. We postulate that HCA results from various conditions, including stenosis of the coronary artery orifice, an aberrant course between the pulmonary artery and aorta and ectopic positioning of the coronary artery ostium. In addition, HCA may also be associated with occlusive coronary artery abnormalities.     

An unusual congenital coronary anomaly: origin of the left circumflex coronary artery from a right coronary artery arising from the left sinus of valsalva

A 54-year-old male was admitted to our department for stable angina. Coronary angiography and 16-slice computed tomography revealed an abnormal origin of the right coronary artery from the left sinus of Valsalva, coursing between the aorta and the pulmonary trunk and then giving origin to the left circumflex coronary artery. A severe stenosis was present in the middle segment of the right coronary artery, which was successfully treated by stent implantation.     

Congenital anomalies of the coronary arteries with associated ischemic ST depression on exercise: a report of three cases

This report presented evidence of myocardial ischemia as the etiology of angina pectoris in three patients with congenital anomalies of the coronary arteries but without arteriosclerotic disease. All of three cases showed angina pectoris and ST depressions on their exercise electrocardiogram. Case 1: This 58-year-old man developed angina pectoris at the age of 50 years. His treadmill exercise test precipitated chest pain and ST depression. His coronary arteriograms disclosed an ectopic origin of the right coronary artery just anterior to the origin of the left coronary artery in the left coronary sinus. No significant atherosclerotic stenosis was present. An apparent ischemic manifestation appeared to be caused by compression of an aberrant right coronary artery between the aorta and the right ventricular infundibulum. Case 2: A 49-year-old woman had a history of angina. Her treadmill exercise test induced chest pain and an abnormal exercise electrocardiographic finding. Her coronary arteriograms revealed a single left coronary artery. Insufficient perfusion was postulated as a cause of apparent myocardial ischemia in this case though angiographically, there was adequate perfusion. Case 3: This 31-year-old man had a six-year history of angina. His treadmill exercise electrocardiograms revealed ischemic changes accompanied by chest pain. Coronary arteriograms disclosed a coronary artery fistula. The ischemic manifestation was apparently caused by inadequate perfusion due to coronary steal. With the increasing use of coronary arteriography, unusual origins and courses of coronary arteries will be more frequently encountered. Precise knowledge of anomalies is prerequisite for evaluating variations in the location of the coronary artery ostia and their statistical probabilities.     

Exercise-induced myocardial ischemia in a patient with dislocated right coronary artery orifice in the right sinus of Valsalva

Anomalous origin of the right coronary artery (RCA) is a rare congenital anomaly, which may cause myocardial ischemia and sudden death. In most cases, the RCA orifice is located in the left sinus of Valsalva and the RCA courses between the great arteries. We report a case in whom the RCA orifice is located in the right sinus of Valsalva but myocardial ischemia in the territory of the RCA was induced by exercise. Multidetector-row computed tomography showed that the RCA orifice was located in the right sinus of Valsalva adjacent to the left sinus of Valsalva and the RCA coursed between the great arteries. Compression of the RCA by the great arteries during exercise was thought to be the major cause of myocardial ischemia.     

A case of sinus of Valsalva-right ventricle fistula without a typical aneurysm, and a single origin of the coronary arteries

Few previous reports have described a sinus of Valsalva fistula without an aneurysm in Japanese patients. A single origin of the coronary arteries is a rare coronary anomaly. We describe a 75-year-old woman with a single origin of the coronary arteries and a sinus of Valsalva fistula without a typical aneurysm. Echocardiography showed turbulent flow from the right coronary sinus of Valsalva to the right ventricle throughout the cardiac cycle. Aortography confirmed the presence of a right coronary sinus of Valsalva-right ventricle shunt jet. Echocardiography and aortography demonstrated that there was no deformity of the sinus of Valsalva. Cardiac catheterization revealed that the left-to-right shunt rate was 29% and the Qp/Qs was 1.41. Aortography and coronary angiography did not identify a right coronary artery originating from the right sinus of Valsalva. Coronary angiography revealed that the right coronary artery arose from the proximal part of the left anterior descending artery and did not detect significant organic stenosis of the coronary artery. She was diagnosed as having a sinus of Valsalva to right ventricle fistula without an aneurysm, and a single origin of the coronary arteries.     

急性下壁心肌梗死病人发生窦性心动过缓预测右冠状动脉闭塞的临床价值

目的 右冠状动脉闭塞或回旋支闭塞在临床心电图上均表现为急性下壁心肌梗死,二者鉴别较困难.本文观察和比较急性下壁梗死患者中发生窦性心动过缓与右冠状动脉闭塞的关系.方法 对52例急性下壁心肌梗死患者,观察其心率、血压、房室传导阻滞的发生情况.结果52例患者中,36例为右冠状动脉闭塞,16例为回旋支闭塞.单纯下壁心肌梗死,右冠状动脉较回旋支闭塞发生率高,分别为55.6%和18.8%(P<0.05).右冠状动脉闭塞发生低血压8例(22.2%);窦性心动过缓在右冠状动脉闭塞和回旋支闭塞发生率分别为25.0%和0%(P<0.05);完全性房室传导阻滞仅出现在右冠状动脉闭塞时共7例(19.4%);右冠状动脉近端闭塞较中、远端闭塞发生心率缓慢为多,分别为19.4%,2.8%,2.8%(P<0.05).结论 急性下壁心肌梗死时,窦性心动过缓与右冠状动脉闭塞有较好的相关性,右冠状动脉近端闭塞伴有缓慢心率,而回旋支闭塞几乎未发现窦性心动过缓.     

Multidetector row computed tomographic findings in a patient with anomalous origin of the right coronary artery from the left sinus of Valsalva.

Anomalous origin of the right coronary artery (RCA) is a rare congenital anomaly, which may cause myocardial ischemia and sudden death. However, the causes of myocardial ischemia remain uncertain. Multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT) was performed in a 22-year-old woman who had exercise-induced myocardial ischemia. MDCT revealed a small orifice of the RCA in the left sinus of Valsalva, separate from the left main coronary artery, an acute-angled takeoff from the aorta, an intramural course of the proximal portion within the aortic wall, and a course between the great vessels. Three-dimensional virtual angioscopy also depicted a small orifice.     

Acute inferior myocardial infarction and coronary spasm in a patient with an anomalous origin of the right coronary artery from the left sinus of valsalva

A 56-year-old Japanese woman with an acute inferior myocardial infarction was admitted to hospital. Emergency coronary angiography revealed an anomalous origin of the right coronary artery from the left sinus of Valsalva, but there was no stenosis or thrombus in either the right or left coronary artery. Coronary spasm was provoked at the site of the proximal portion of the anomalous coronary artery, which was located between the aorta and pulmonary trunk. This was thought to be the cause of the myocardial infarction.     

Single Coronary Ostium in Right Coronary Sinus: Previously Unreported “One for All” Configuration

We report our identification of a single coronary ostium arising from the right coronary sinus of Valsalva, in a 63-year-old woman who presented with chest pain atypical of angina. Coronary angiograms showed that the left anterior descending coronary artery arose from a right ventricular branch and that the left circumflex coronary artery arose from a right posterolateral branch. Both arteries reconstituted themselves in a backward fashion from the apex to the base of the heart—a configuration that to our knowledge has not been reported. The patient was treated conservatively and reported no chest pain 24 months later.     

Transient left bundle branch block after posture change to the prone position during general anesthesia: A case report

Rationale:The prone position is commonly used in spinal surgery. There have been many studies on hemodynamic changes in the prone position during general anesthesia. We report a rare case of transient left bundle branch block (LBBB) in a prone position.Patient concern:Electrocardiogram (ECG) of a 64-year-old man scheduled for spinal surgery showed normal sinus rhythm change to LBBB after posture change to the prone position.Diagnosis:Twelve lead ECG revealed LBBB. His coronary angio-computed tomography results showed right coronary artery with 30% to 40% stenosis and left circumflex artery with 40% to 50% stenosis. The patient was diagnosed with stable angina and second-degree atrioventricular block of Mobitz type II.Intervention:Nitroglycerin was administered intravenously during surgery. Adequate oxygen was supplied to the patient. After surgery, the patient was prescribed clopidogrel, statins, angiotensin II receptor blocker, and a permanent pacemaker was inserted.Outcome:Surgery was completed without complications. After surgery, the transient LBBB changed to a normal sinus rhythm. The patient did not complain of chest pain or dyspnea.Lesson:The prone position causes significant hemodynamic changes. A high risk of cardiovascular disease may cause ischemic heart disease and ECG changes. Therefore, careful management is necessary.     

Vasospastic total occlusion at the left main tract in a single coronary artery.

A 64-year-old man was admitted to hospital under the suspicion of unstable angina pectoris. Coronary angiography showed that he has a single coronary artery originating from the right coronary artery (RCA) without significant fixed stenosis. Acetylcholine was superselectively infused into the left main coronary artery (LMCA), and confirmed the coronary vasospastic occlusion associated with chest pain and elevation of the ST-segment in the precordial leads. This is the first report of the induction of a totally occlusive spasm of the LMCA of a patient with a RCA type single coronary artery, and this case suggests that spasm of the aberrant coronary artery is a potential mechanism for sudden death in patients with a single coronary artery.     

Single coronary artery with prepulmonic coursing left main coronary artery manifesting as prinzmetal's angina

We report the case of a 32-year-old man who presented at the emergency department with severe chest pressure, left arm pain, and dizziness. These symptoms were described as intermittent, occurring after exercise and at rest. He had undergone several stress tests during the past 8 years, but no objective evidence of ischemia was produced. His history of hyperlipidemia and increasing frequency of symptoms prompted us to perform coronary angiography, which showed a single coronary artery with an ostium at the right sinus of Valsalva. The vessel had an initial, mixed common trunk that gave rise to both the right coronary artery proper and to the left coronary artery. The left main trunk followed a prepulmonic course. The anatomic features were eventually confirmed by computed tomographic angiography. The left main stem had a fixed 50% to 60% area narrowing, at baseline study. A treadmill stress myocardial perfusion study showed no evidence of ischemia. The patient was referred to a 2nd facility, where intravascular ultrasonography, at baseline, revealed 63% left main narrowing without evidence of atherosclerosis. Acetylcholine provocation demonstrated worsening of the stenosis to about 80%, with reproduction of angina and ST-segment depression, which indicated that medical management of spasm might provide symptomatic relief.     

Chest pain in a young basketball player

A 32-year-old man was elbowed in the chest while fighting for a rebound in a recreational basketball game. He fell to the ground and his chest ached from the blow. Four days later he developed more severe chest pressure with dyspnea and came to the hospital. His chest wall was tender and his pulse slow, but the remainder of his physical examination was normal. Electrocardiogram showed sinus bradycardia, first-degree atrioventricular (AV) block, and occasional isorhythmic AV dissociation, but no ischemic ST-T changes. Cardiac troponin I rose to 1.74 ng/mL (normal <0.50). The patient therefore underwent coronary angiography, showing spiral dissection of the right coronary artery with extensive thrombus filling the distal portion of the vessel. Stenting was unsuccessful in restoring flow. This case highlights the potential dangers of blunt chest trauma in recreational sports and shows how angiography can distinguish myocardial contusion from coronary artery dissection.     

Anomalous left coronary artery arising from the right sinus of valsalva in a man with unstable angina pectoris and right coronary artery stenosis

A 54-year-old man developed unstable angina pectoris and was found to have both an anomalous left coronary artery, which arose from the right sinus of Valsalva and followed an intramyocardial (septal) course, and severe atherosclerotic stenosis of the mid-right coronary artery. Stress perfusion imaging showed ischemia in the distribution of the right coronary artery, leading to successful percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty of the right coronary artery rather than surgical correction of the congenital anomaly.     

Single right coronary artery continuing as left circumflex artery and hypoplastic left anterior descending artery: a rare coronary anomaly

The occurrence of a single coronary artery (SCA) is rare in the absence of other associated anomalies of the heart and is often detected incidentally during coronary angiography. This anomaly is usually benign and various types of SCA have been described. We report a rare type of SCA originating from the right sinus of Valsalva, with the left circumflex artery (LCX) continuing from right coronary artery (RCA) and hypoplastic left anterior descending artery (LAD), which was incidentally found in a 63-year-old female presenting as unstable angina.     

Surgery for Anomalous Origin of the Left Main Coronary Artery from the Right Sinus of Valsalva,in Association with Left Main Stenosis

Most medical literature regarding the anomalous origin of a coronary artery from the opposite sinus of Valsalva pertains to sudden death in the young. The surgical treatment of anomalous origin of the left main coronary artery from the right sinus of Valsalva is not particularly well codified, and when an anomalous left main coronary artery is associated with an extramural stenosis, treatment becomes more technically challenging. Herein, we describe a unique approach toward treating this combination of conditions.A 15-year-old adolescent boy was diagnosed with anomalous origin of the left main coronary artery from the right sinus of Valsalva. The condition was accompanied by a slit ostium and an extramural stenosis of the left main coronary artery. Surgery was offered to the patient in view of his young age and the uncertain prospective course of the disease. Coronary unroofing was not indicated, due to the extramural location of the stenosis. With the patient under cardiopulmonary bypass, the stenotic segment of the left main coronary artery was transected outside the aorta, repaired by vein patch augmentation, and reimplanted directly into the left coronary sinus. The patient recovered uneventfully. A postoperative computed tomographic angiogram showed good patency of the reconstructed artery. We expect excellent longevity of the directly reimplanted coronary artery.Key words: Adolescent, cardiac surgical procedures, chest pain/etiology, coronary angiography, coronary vessel anomalies/classification/diagnosis/surgery, death, sudden/prevention & control, prognosis, replantation, sinus of Valsalva/abnormalitiesMost of the medical literature regarding the anomalous origin of a coronary artery from the opposite sinus of Valsalva pertains to sudden death in young individuals.^1,2 Anomalous origin of the left main coronary artery (LMCA) from the right sinus of Valsalva is observed less frequently than is anomalous origin of the right coronary artery (RCA) from the left sinus,^1,3 and the surgical treatment for the former condition is less clearly codified than that for the latter.⁴ When an anomalous LMCA is associated with an extramural stenosis, treatment becomes more technically challenging. Here, we describe a unique approach for treating these conditions, upon their diagnosis in a 15-year-old patient.     

Giant organized thrombus in the left sinus of valsalva causing intermittent left coronary obstruction: an unusual case of acute myocardial infarction.

A 48-year-old Japanese man was admitted to hospital for acute myocardial infarction associated with a giant organized thrombus occupying the left sinus of Valsalva. Cardiac catheterization revealed no organic stenosis in either coronary artery, but left ventriculography and aortography showed a filling defect above the left coronary cusp. Transesophageal echocardiography was immediately performed and showed a round mass filling the left sinus of Valsalva. A solid, round mass approximately 2.5 cm in diameter was removed during emergency surgery and determined to be a thrombus on the basis of microscopic findings. This is the second report of a giant organized thrombus occupying the entire left sinus of Valsalva, obstructing the ostium of the left coronary artery intermittently, and leading to acute myocardial infarction.     

Coronary artery perforation complicated by cardiac rupture during conventional PCI

A 65-year-old female hypertensive, hypercholesterolaemic patienton medical therapy for stable angina presented with worseningsymptoms. Coronary angiogram revealed a left coronary artery(LCA) with a 50% stenosis and a right coronary artery (RCA)subocclusion     

Isolated single coronary artery with dual right coronary artery distribution. A rare anatomical variation

We present the case of a 76-year-old patient in whom coronary angiography, performed due to non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, revealed an isolated single coronary (SCA) artery with dual right coronary artery (RCA) distribution. One RCA arose from the mid segment of the left anterior descending (LAD) artery and followed a prepulmonic course to the right, while the other RCA arose as the terminal extension of the left circumflex artery beyond the crux cordis. This is the second reported case of the combination of these two variants of SCA and the first such case in which the LAD-derived RCA originated as a single branch. Furthermore, this is the first report presenting a sinus node artery with origin from an ectopic LAD-connected RCA. The clinical implications of this rare coronary artery pattern are discussed.