Anomalous Origin of the Left Coronary Artery in Tetralogy of Fallot Associated with Abnormal Mitral Valve Pathology

The association of anomalous left coronary artery with congenital heart disease is a rare occurrence. Seven cases of anomalous left coronary artery associated with tetralogy of Fallot have been reported in the literature. We report a unique case with severe mitral valve abnormality that precluded standard surgical repair.     

Association of Common Origin of the Carotid Arteries with Anomalous Origin of the Left Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery

Common origin of the carotid arteries (COCA) is a common pattern of aortic arch vessels and is the single most common cause of tracheobronchial compression by a congenital cardiovascular anomaly. By no means all affected patients are symptomatic. Symptoms may range from recurrent pulmonary infections and “noisy respiration” to stridor and apneic spells. In our study of patients with anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) we found a highly significant association of COCA with ALCAPA (85%), although no patient with ALCAPA in this study had evidence of tracheal stenosis documented in the hospital chart. As COCA is easily correctable, we suggest consideration of COCA during evaluation and surgery of patients with ALCAPA so that, if the patient also has symptoms possibly related to COCA, the artery can be suspended from the posterior wall of the sternum.     

Abnormal Flow in the Posterior Descending Artery: An Echo Doppler Clue to the Anomalous Origin of Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Trunk

Anomalous origin of the left anterior descending coronary (LAD) from the pulmonary trunk is a rare lesion. We describe a neonate with anomalous origin of the LAD from the pulmonary artery and the circumflex artery arising normally from the left-facing sinus. The finding of a tortuous and dilated posterior descending coronary artery suggested increased intercoronary collateral flow and provided a clue to the identification of the anomaly in an otherwise asymptomatic neonate. Interrogation of the posterior descending coronary artery should be included in the routine echocardiographic examination of children, as unusual flow patterns may help identify aberrant coronary artery connections. Electronic supplementary material  The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Anomalous Origin of Left Pulmonary Artery from Aorta with Atrial Septal Defect

Anomalous origin of left pulmonary artery (ALPA) from aorta with atrial septal defect (ASD) is a rare congenital cardiac malformation. We report a case of ALPA from the aorta with ASD in a 1.8-kg baby. Repair was needed at an early age due to progressive congestive heart failure. Surgical correction was performed with cardiopulmonary bypass for closure of ASD and direct anastomosis of the ALPA onto the main pulmonary artery.     

Electrocardiographic and Echocardiographic Features That Distinguish Anomalous Origin of the Left Coronary Artery from Pulmonary Artery from Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Many authors have reported noninvasive means of diagnosing anomalous left coronary artery from pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) and differentiating ALCAPA from idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Systematic evaluation using these noninvasive diagnostic modalities is not available. To distinguish between ALCAPA and DCM using a systematic approach, we examined 23 patients with ALCAPA (age 1 month to 23 years, median 7 months) and 23 patients with DCM (age 5 days to 16 years, median 6.6 months). Standard 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECG) and 2-dimensional (2-D) and color Doppler echocardiograms were performed. A logistic regression model was applied using ALCAPA diagnosis as the dependent variable and ECG and echocardiographic findings as independent variables. A scoring system was created to establish the ALCAPA diagnosis based on results from the logistic regression. On the logistic regression, the ECG feature of QT pattern in aVL (Q wave ≥ 3 mm deep with an inverted T wave) and echocardiographic features of right coronary artery diameter to aortic annulus ratio ≥ 0.14, increased papillary muscle echogenicity, and Doppler color flow of LCA from aorta or pulmonary artery were the most significant differentiating features between the ALCAPA and DCM groups. A scoring system was developed using the previous five variables and assigning a score of 1 to each variable (−1 to Doppler color flow of LCA from aorta). The scoring system had sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 91% for ALCAPA diagnosis. Compared with previous reported diagnostic features in differentiating ALCAPA and DCM, the scoring system had a much higher specificity and positive predictive value. In conclusion, we selected the most useful ECG and echocardiographic features to differentiate between ALCAPA and DCM and created a scoring system to aid clinical diagnosis. This scoring system may be useful in evaluating children with acute congestive heart failure.     

Hoarseness as the Initial Clinical Presentation of Anomalous Left Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery

Anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery is a rare congenital anomaly that, if left untreated, will most often result in severe myocardial ischemia and significant morbidity and mortality. We report an unusual presentation of this defect in a 2-month-old infant who had an initial complaint of a “hoarse cry.” We theorize that impingement of the recurrent laryngeal nerve due to dilatation of the pulmonary artery was the most likely etiology of the patient's symptoms. This case serves as an important reminder that serious congenital heart disease may present with any number of complaints and unusual findings.     

Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography in Anomalous Left Coronary Artery

The evaluation of left ventricular function with dobutamine stress echocardiography is described for the first time in a patient with anomalous left coronary artery from the pulmonary trunk during the preoperative and postoperative periods. This method demonstrated signs of myocardial ischemia that were not seen on the resting echocardiogram during the preoperative period and ventricular function recovery after surgical intervention.     

左冠状动脉起源于肺动脉37例患儿各年龄段的临床特点及诊治

目的分析各年龄段左冠状动脉起源于肺动脉(ALCAPA)患儿的临床特点和诊治情况,提高对此病的认识,减少误诊,提高救治率。方法 1999年4月-2011年3月本院共收治37例ALCAPA患儿。男21例,女16例;年龄(5.0±4.8)岁。其中婴儿组(≤1岁)8例,幼儿组(>1～3岁)10例,大年龄组(>3岁)19例。37例中并二尖瓣关闭不全31例,室壁瘤2例,法洛四联症/ASD、重度肺动脉瓣狭窄/部分型肺静脉异位引流、ASD各1例。对各年龄段临床特点和诊治结果进行回顾性分析。随访结果依据门诊复查结果及电话随访。结果婴幼儿组发病年龄均早于大年龄组;ECG出现Q波及ST-T改变13例(35.1%,13/37例),其中婴儿组5例(62.5%)、幼儿组3例(30.0%)、大年龄组5例(26.3%),3组差异无统计学意义;胸部X片示心脏均明显增大,心胸比婴儿组大于幼儿组和大年龄组,幼儿组大于大年龄组;超声心动图示左心室舒张末径(LVED)3组均增大,以婴儿组增大最明显;左心室射血分数(LVEF)<50%者婴儿组多于幼儿组和大年龄组,幼儿组与大年龄组无明显差异。首次诊断时误诊或漏诊18例,占48.6%(18/37例)。婴儿组1例由于核素扫描提示存活心肌很少,等待心脏移植,另2例家长放弃手术。34例患儿行冠状动脉移植术23例,肺动脉内隧道术8例,冠状动脉搭桥2例,单纯结扎冠状动脉左主干1例。无手术早期死亡。术后有近期随访资料26例(76.5%,26/34例),随访6～130(13.6±18.4)个月,晚期死亡1例。患儿术后LVED均较术前缩小,仍有二尖瓣轻度关闭不全8例。有随访资料患儿中,8例术前LVEF<50%,术后3～6个月LVEF均恢复正常。结论 ALCAPA婴儿患儿临床表现较幼儿及年长儿患儿重。小儿ALCAPA由于缺乏特征性表现,各年龄段均易误诊。对于小儿各年龄段表现为心脏扩大、心功能不全、二尖瓣关闭不全等患儿,要注意除外小儿ALCAPA。可以结合其ECG表现,反复超声ECG探查冠状动脉,必要时加行多层螺旋CT或心血管造影以明确诊断,确诊后应尽快手术治疗。     

左冠状动脉起源于肺动脉6例患儿的诊断与治疗

目的分析左冠状动脉起源于肺动脉(ALCAPA)的诊断特点,评估其手术效果。方法本院2006年3月-2007年10月共收治ALCAPA患儿6例。男4例,女2例;年龄6个月～10岁,平均43.5个月。对这6例患儿的临床表现、心电图(ECG)特征、心脏超声、64排螺旋CT及心导管检查资料、手术治疗及转归进行分析。结果ALCAPA5例患儿有不同程度的多汗、烦躁、气促、拒食等临床表现,临床检查示心功能不全。ECG特异表现:4例患儿ECG存在前侧壁异常Q波及ST段改变,1例患儿存在ST段改变,1例患儿ECG大致正常。典型彩色超声心动图表现为:4例患儿出现左室扩大伴左室收缩功能减低;2例患儿存在二尖瓣轻-中量返流,2例患儿为大量二尖瓣返流;2例患儿表现为右冠状动脉扩张。增强CT及心导管检查有特征性改变。其中5例患儿行手术治疗:2例直接移植,3例行左冠状动脉重建术;2例重度二尖瓣返流患儿同时行二尖瓣成形术。1例无症状患儿未行手术治疗。术后患儿症状改善,无死亡病例。结论了解ALCAPA的病变特点及相关辅助检查,可提高ALCAPA的检出率,尽早手术治疗,改善预后。     

A Simple and Feasible Technique for Repair of Anomalous Origin of the Left Pulmonary Artery from the Ascending Aorta

Anomalous origin of the left pulmonary artery from the ascending aorta is a rare congenital cardiac malformation and the direct reimplantation technique has been the strategy of choice, although postoperative restenosis across the anastomosis site is frequently observed. In the described case, a simple and feasible technique was used with satisfactory results at 20-month follow-up.     

Anomalous Left Coronary Artery from the Right Sinus of Valsalva and Noncompaction of the Left Ventricle

Anomalous origin of the left coronary artery is a well-known cause of sudden death. Noncompaction of the ventricular myocardium is a cardiomyopathy characterized by prominent trabeculae and deep intertrabecular recesses. Both anomalies are rare. We report the case of a child with both anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the right sinus of Valsalva and noncompaction of the left ventricular myocardium found during an evaluation for Kawasaki’s disease.     

Double-Outlet Right Ventricle (Tetralogy of Fallot Type) Associated with Anomalous Origin of the Left Coronary Artery from the Right Pulmonary Artery: Report of Successful Total Repair in a 2-Month-Old Infant

The case reported herein demonstrates the rare association of double-outlet right ventricle (tetralogy of Fallot type) with anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery. It is the first reported successful total surgical repair in an infant.     

Tetralogy of Fallot with Anomalous Origin of the Right Pulmonary Artery from the Ascending Aorta and Hypoplastic Left Pulmonary Artery

A case of tetralogy of Fallot associated with anomalous origin of the right pulmonary artery from the ascending aorta and hypoplastic left pulmonary artery was successfully repaired. Following the simultaneous procedure with banding of the right pulmonary artery and replacement of modified Blalock-Taussig shunt to the left pulmonary artery at 34 days of age, the intracardiac repair was performed successfully at 1 year and 10 months of age. The patient was well 6 months postoperatively, without unilateral pulmonary hypertension.     

Anomalous Origin of the Right Coronary Artery from the Left Sinus of Valsalva

A 1-month-old boy without precedent clinical signs of heart disease died unexpectedly. At autopsy, the child was found to have origin of the right coronary artery from the left sinus of Valsalva immediately leftward to the thickening of the aortic wall at the cuspal commissure and adjacent to the ostium of the left main coronary artery. The association of this coronary anomaly with otherwise unexplained prenatal or early postnatal death has only recently been appreciated as a potential cause of sudden infant death and mimic of sepsis, dysrhythmias, congestive heart failure, or metabolic storage diseases.     

Anomalous Origin of One Pulmonary Artery from the Innominate Artery: A Report of Two Cases

Two children with an anomalous origin of one pulmonary artery from the innominate artery are reported. One was a 15-month-old boy presenting with respiratory distress. He had a right aortic arch and his left pulmonary artery originated from the innominate artery. The other was a 1-month-old girl presenting with congestive heart failure. She had a left aortic arch and her right pulmonary artery originated from the innominate artery. An understanding of the embryological pathogenesis of these anomalies has significant therapeutic implications.     

Right Coronary Artery to Left Ventricular Fistula Associated with Left Ventricular Aneurysm

An infant with right coronary artery to left ventricular fistula associated with left ventricular aneurysm successfully underwent a division of fistula under cardiopulmonary bypass. Follow-up angiogram showed the patency of the right coronary artery, no recurrence of fistula, and the regression of the left ventricular aneurysm. Because the lesion may progress with age, early diagnosis and surgical intervention are indicated to prevent later complications.     

Anomalous Origin of the Left Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery in a Premature Infant with Preserved Left Ventricular Function

Anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) is a rare condition. The majority of cases present with impaired left ventricular function. We report on a premature infant who was diagnosed at a gestational age near term with ALCAPA during routine cardiac examination. The patient showed no signs of myocardial ischemia and is doing well after corrective surgery. This is the youngest patient reported with ALCAPA and preserved myocardial function.     

Asymptomatic Anomalous Origin of the Left Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery

Anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery is a rare congenital anomaly of the coronary arteries which usually presents with heart failure in early infancy. We describe the unusual occurrence of this in an older child with no signs of cardiac ischemia. Electronic supplementary material  The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Origin of an Anomalous Left Coronary Artery from a Left Hilar Pulmonary Artery

Anomalous coronaries arising in nontruncal regions of the pulmonary artery are exceedingly rare. We report an autopsy case of an anomalous left coronary artery that arose from the distal pulmonary artery at the hilum of the left lung in an infant with complex congenital heart disease. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first such report. This previously unknown coronary malformation led to a fatal intraoperative complication during a pulmonary angioplasty procedure.