Anomalous origin of the left anterior descending coronary artery from the pulmonary artery

Three children were identified as having anomalous origin of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) from the pulmonary artery (PA). Two had had congestive heart failure in infancy with clinical diagnosis of endocardial fibroelastosis and all had abnormal ECGs. The correct diagnosis was delayed in each case, and two patients required selective coronary angiography. Surgery was accomplished in the three children although ECG abnormalities have persisted and one child has dyskinesis of the left ventricular apex. Because this diagnosis may be difficult to make when intercoronary anastomoses are inadequate to outline the left anterior descending coronary flow into the PA, patients with clinical findings suggestive of anomalous coronary artery may require selective coronary studies to exclude this anomaly.