Anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery. Experience with 13 cases

The authors present their clinical and surgical experience with 13 cases of anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery. The series confirms the existence of 2 different anatomical types of this anomaly depending upon the different development of the intercoronary collateral blood-flow: the "infantile" and the "adult" types. Mitral incompetence is a frequent associated anomaly which may sometimes be the presenting clinical feature, thus masking the underlying disease. The results with different surgical techniques performed in 7 patients are discussed.