Detection of anomalous origin of left coronary artery from pulmonary artery by real-time Doppler color flow mapping in a 53-year-old asymptomatic female.

The anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery in a 53-year-old asymptomatic female was diagnosed by the color Doppler technique. Doppler color flow mapping on a modified high parasternal short axis view clearly demonstrated the blood flow from the anomalous left coronary artery into the pulmonary trunk. Aortography confirmed this finding. The anatomical factors of marked right coronary artery preponderance and a hypoplastic circumflex artery were considered to contribute to the long survival of this patient. In asymptomatic adult patients with this anomaly, Doppler color flow mapping is a sensitive diagnostic method, and should be used first in adult patients suspected of having this anomaly.