Unrecognized anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery as a cause of ventricular fibrillation after patent ductus arteriosus ligation in an infant

We present a case of an infant who developed ventricular fibrillation after patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) ligation. The infant had unrecognized anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery before PDA ligation. Acute reduction in systemic pulmonary artery pressures after PDA ligation resulted in an abrupt reduction in left main coronary artery blood flow. After prompt resuscitation, cardiac catheterization confirmed the diagnosis of anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery. The infant subsequently underwent coronary artery translocation and recovered uneventfully.     

Separate Origin of the Main Components of the Left Coronary Artery in Syrian Hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus)

This study describes a rare congenital coronary artery anomaly in the Syrian hamster; namely, the separate origin of the obtuse marginal and left circumflex arteries which are the main components of the left coronary artery. The hearts of nine affected animals were examined by means of a corrosion‐cast technique and histology. The hamsters belonged to a laboratory inbred family with a high incidence of coronary artery anomalies and bicuspid aortic valve. The aortic valve was tricuspid in three hamsters and bicuspid in the other six hamsters. In all cases, the right coronary artery was normal, whereas the left coronary artery main trunk was absent. The present anomalous coronary artery patterns could be classified into two main entities: (i) ectopic origin of the obtuse marginal artery from the right aortic sinus or from the right coronary artery, with the left circumflex artery arising from the left side of the aortic valve; and (ii) ectopic origin of both the obtuse marginal artery from the right aortic sinus or from the right coronary artery and left circumflex artery from the dorsal aortic sinus. In all cases, the obtuse marginal artery coursed to the right side of the heart through the ventral wall of the right ventricular outflow tract. When the left circumflex artery arose from the dorsal aortic sinus, it formed an acute angle with the aortic wall. This report seems to be the first to describe the separate origin of the main components of the left coronary artery in a non‐human mammalian species. In man, the congenital coronary artery and aortic valve defects reported herein may entail the risk of clinical complications. However, none of the affected hamsters showed signs of disease.     

影像学诊断先天性左冠状动脉主干闭锁

目的探讨影像学诊断先天性左冠状动脉主干闭锁(LMCAA)的可行性。方法回顾性分析6例LMCAA患者,男3例、女3例,1例成人、5例婴幼儿。6例均接受超声心动图、多排螺旋CT(MDCT)及心血管造影检查。结果 1例超声提示左冠状动脉内径偏细,起源显示欠清晰,不除外左冠状动脉异常起源于肺动脉;1例超声提示左冠状动脉近段发育细,似壁内走行、开口狭窄;另4例超声仅提示二尖瓣脱垂并大量反流,冠状动脉未探及异常。5例经MDCT明确诊断为左冠状动脉主干闭锁,1例不除外左冠状动脉主干开口重度狭窄或闭锁。6例经心血管造影检查均明确诊断为LMCAA。结论 LMCAA属罕见先天性心脏病,超声可提示该病;CT对多数患者可明确诊断;心血管造影检查是诊断LMCAA的金标准。     

Anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery A case using the autologous pulmonary arterial wall graft.

A 10-year-old girl with anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery underwent a two coronary system reconstruction with a new technique. Her left coronary artery was stenotic next to its origin and had a severe adhesion with the aorta. We made a bypass grafting between the aorta and the left coronary artery with a roll shaped transected main pulmonary arterial wall graft. The postoperative angiogram showed a good patency of a reconstructed left coronary artery. This technique is considered useful surgical option for bypass grafting to the left coronary artery when the left coronary artery has an obstructive lesion or a difficulty to dissect and mobilize.     

Major iatrogenic tracheal injury during pneumonectomy: conservative treatment

Anomalous origin of the left main coronary from the pulmonary trunk in an elderly patient is extremely rare. We report a 73-year-old woman who presented with new onset of angina and atrial fibrillation. Evaluation revealed anomalous origin of the left main coronary artery from the main pulmonary artery and tight proximal left anterior descending coronary artery stenosis. The patient underwent primary closure of the anomalous left main coronary artery orifice within the pulmonary artery, aorta-to-left anterior descending coronary artery saphenous vein bypass grafting and Maze procedure. Six months postoperatively the patient was asymptomatic and a Thallium stress test was negative for ischemia.     

左冠状动脉异常起源于肺动脉的外科治疗

１例患左冠状动脉异常起源于动脉的７岁女孩，行左冠状动脉的重建术获得成功。因异常起源的左冠状动脉源于肺脉的主干左后侧，右冠状主干较，不能直接植入升主动脉；病儿年龄小，大隐静脉和其他自体血管难以利用，故采用人工血管左冠状动脉旁路架桥术。术后病儿恢复顺利，研室功能正常，心血管造景证实人工血管桥和左冠状动脉 通畅、无狭窄或扭曲。作者认为，在左冠状动脉异常起源于肺动脉的病人，当左冠状动脉不能直接植入升主动脉     

Coronary to pulmonary artery collaterals in patients with pulmonary atresia and ventricular septal defect

BACKGROUND: The frequency, distribution, and surgical importance of coronary artery to pulmonary artery (CAPA) collaterals have not been established. The aim of this study was to establish prevalence, anatomical pattern, and significance of CAPA in patients with pulmonary atresia and ventricular septal defect (PA/VSD). METHODS: We reviewed cardiac catheterization and operative data of 87 consecutive, unselected patients who underwent one-stage complete unifocalization for PA/VSD and assessed major systemic to pulmonary collaterals from July 1992 to June 1998. RESULTS: CAPA collaterals were diagnosed in 9 of 87 patients (10%). The collaterals originated from the left coronary artery system in 7 patients and the right in 2. Collaterals from the left coronary system arose from the left main coronary artery in 3 patients and the circumflex in 4. All collaterals joined the central pulmonary artery, which bifurcated and supplied both lungs. One collateral from the right coronary system joined the stump of the main pulmonary artery and the other gave origin to a true left pulmonary artery, which was the sole supply to 75% of the left lung. Coronary artery enlargement was seen in 2 patients only. No patient had evidence of myocardial ischemia. Coronary collaterals comprised a dual source of pulmonary blood flow in all but 1 patient. During unifocalization, the CAPA collaterals were ligated at its origin in all cases, and the collateral from the right coronary to the left pulmonary artery was unifocalized. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of CAPA collaterals in patients with PA/VSD is approximately 10%. The diagnosis may be missed without appropriate angiograms. We recommend selective ascending aortogram or selective coronary angiogram in all patients.     

Anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery with coronary artery steal in adults. Report of two cases and review of the literature.

Patients with anomalous left coronary artery arising from the pulmonary artery rarely survive to adult life. Those who attain adulthood may present with angina indistinguishable from coronary artery disease and are liable to sudden death. Myocardial infarction, though rare in young adults, may occur and may be due to coronary artery steal. Accurate diagnosis requires coronary arteriography. Two further cases of coronary artery steal in adults with anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery are presented. In both patients aortocoronary bypass grafting using a reversed autogenous saphenous vein with closure of the origin of the anomalous left coronary artery was successfully performed. This operation provided complete symptomatic relief and may protect patients against the risk of sudden death.     

Single left coronary artery with separate origins of proximal and distal right coronary arteries from left anterior descending and circumflex arteries – a previously undescribed coronary circulation

A single left coronary artery with right coronary artery arising from either left main stem (LMS) or left anterior descending artery (LAD) or circumflex artery (Cx) is an extremely rare coronary anomaly. This is the first report of separate origins of proximal and distal RCA from LAD and circumflex arteries respectively in a patient with a single left coronary artery. This 57 year old patient presented with unstable angina and severe stenotic disease of LAD and Cx arteries and underwent urgent successful quadruple coronary artery bypass grafting. The anomalies of right coronary artery in terms of their origin, number and distribution are reviewed.     

Anatomic variations of the common trunk of the left coronary artery (apropos of 80 dissections)]

An anatomic study of the main left coronary artery is reported : important anatomic variations may occur:--sometimes, the main left coronary artery is missing (1 % of the cases),--its origin may be unusual (from the pulmonary artery),--its average length is 11 mm; but, it may be longer (35 mm) and sometimes very short (less than 8 mm in 15 per cent of the cases) : this last aspect has to be taken in account by the surgeon during aortic valve surgery if a coronary perfusion has been decided.--At last, its division into two branches (anterior descending and left circumflex) is the most usual (65 or 70 per cent of the cases). A third branch of division may exist (diagonal or lateral branch) in about 20 to 30 per cent of the cases. The left coronary artery may also divide into four (or even five) branches in 5 to 10 per cent of the cases.     

An adult case of anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery with the coronary artery-bronchial artery anastomosis]

A case was 33 years old man who had complained chest pain during exercise. He was diagnosed anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery by coronary angiography. At operation, left main coronary artery originated from the posterior wall of the pulmonary artery. Numerous retrograde flow was seen through left coronary artery during aortic cross clamping. The left coronary ostium was closed, because sufficient extracardial anastomosis to coronary artery should be thought. The post operative course was uneventful and the patient is asymptomatic. The selective bronchial artery angiography was performed and it demonstrated collaterals between the bronchial artery and the left circumflex artery. The Thallium scintigraphy had showed ischemia of antrolateral wall of the left ventricle before operation, but postoperatively there was no ischemic redistribution.     

Surgery for anomalous origin of the right coronary artery from the left aortic sinus

This case report illustrates the presentation, diagnosis, and surgical management of an anomalous origin of the right coronary artery from the left coronary sinus in a young adult in whom the right coronary artery was reimplanted directly onto the aorta, rather than bypassed, as is typically done.     

Anomalous origin of left main cononary artery from anterior sinus of Valsalva with myocardial infarction

The origin of the left main coronary artery, or its branches, from the right or anterior sinus of Valsalva is a recognized congenital anomaly. The origin of the entire left main coronary artery from a separate ostium in the right sinus of Valsalva and its course to the right and behind the ascending aorta, in a living patient without associated congenital heart disease, has not been described. This anomaly was recognized as the cause of an anterior myocardial infarction in a 12-year-old girl, and it is the subject of this case report.     

Internal thoracic artery grafting for congenital coronary malformations.

We report 2 patients with congenital coronary anomalies (atresia of left main coronary artery and anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery) successfully treated with single or double internal thoracic artery grafting. Because the internal thoracic artery has a potential for circumferential as well as longitudinal development, and because of the uncertainty of ultimate vein graft function, we believe that the internal thoracic artery is the best graft material for the treatment of congenital coronary malformations requiring bypass operation in children, adolescents, or even in adults.     

Surgery for chronic total occlusion of the left main coronary artery--myocardial preservation

We report seven patients with chronic total occlusion of the left main coronary artery that were operated in our institution and discuss the myocardial preservation options in these patients. In addition to total occlusion of the left main coronary artery, three patients also had severe lesions of right coronary artery. Prior myocardial infarction history and significantly depressed left ventricle functions were detected in all three patients with right coronary artery lesions. Five patients were operated on cardiopulmonary bypass while two patients were operated off pump. All patients received alternating antegrade/retrograde cardioplegia for myocardial preservation. In patients with simultaneous right coronary artery disease we first established the origin of the collaterals to the left coronary system. For patients with collaterals arising from the right coronary artery segment distal to the right coronary artery lesion, the antegrade component was administered through the saphenous vein graft bypassed to a distal part of right coronary artery segment. Thus we have achieved a more effective distribution of the antegrade cardioplegia. In off-pump-operated patients the left coronary system was revascularized before the right coronary system. Postoperative low cardiac output syndrome occurred in only one patient who was operated off pump. There was no operative and early mortality. Mean follow-up was 32 +/- 21.42 (range, 4 to 60) months. Alternating antegrade/retrograde cardioplegia was used with acceptable results in patients with total occlusion of the left main coronary artery. In patients with simultaneous RCA lesion we recommend regulation of the antegrade component based on the origin of collaterals that supplies the left coronary system. In off-pump-operated patients we suggest avoiding of clamping of right coronary artery at the beginning of the operation while it still supplies all the coronary circulation.     

Bland-White-Garland syndrome in pregnancy: reoperation of ALCAPA with an internal thoracic radial artery "Y"-graft

Anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery is rare and more so in the adult. Reimplantation of the left main coronary into the aorta is successful in early life, but it may be more difficult in the adult who had a previous repair. We report a successful reoperation of anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery in an adult patient using a left internal thoracic and radial artery "Y"-graft. Composite arterial grafting has become an established and straight forward technique in coronary surgery, and it is appropriate and recommended for congenital lesions in adults and at any age if necessary.     

Anomalous origin of the left main coronary artery from the main pulmonary artery in an elderly patient

Anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) syndrome is an extremely rare diagnosis in elderly patients. We describe a 73-year-old female with ALCAPA who underwent successful repair of this coronary anomaly.     

Anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery: collective review of surgical therapy

Anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery is an extremely rare but potentially fatal congenital coronary anomaly. Prompt surgical reestablishment of a two-coronary system on diagnosis yields excellent results and allows progressive and nearly total myocardial recovery. Follow-up of all patients is required to assess the adequacy of repair and to exclude ongoing or recurrent myocardial insult.     

Giant intraatrial septal aneurysm originating from a branch of the left coronary artery

We present the case of a 38-year-old woman who had a large intraatrial aneurysm occupied by old thrombosis. The aneurysm was successfully removed, and the atrium was repaired. Pathohistological findings indicated that the inflow artery of the aneurysm had an anomalous origin from the left main coronary artery, and its pathogenesis was unknown. It is occasionally difficult to distinguish a large coronary aneurysm from a mediastinal tumor because this aneurysm is a rare entity, even more so in an atrial septum. A giant coronary aneurysm should be considered an alternative diagnosis in the event of a mediastinal mass. Surgery is recommended for a large coronary aneurysm.     

Emergency management of spontaneous coronary artery dissection

Six cases of spontaneous coronary arteries dissection are reported. In one patient, triple vessel spontaneous coronary artery dissection was identified. Another patient presented spontaneous left main coronary artery dissection. In one case we found the spontaneous dissection of the left anterior descending artery associated with distal aortic arch dissection. These conditions are very rare and may present a surgical dilemma. Causative factors and underlying pathology are clarified. Prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention is safe and effective. Early recognition of left main coronary artery dissection or three-vessel dissection is essential because urgent coronary artery bypass grafting may be life saving.