Anomalous origin of the left coronary artery: discovery during an ambulatory surgical procedure in a 3-month old, previously healthy infant.
We report a rare coronary anomaly in a 3-month old symptomless infant with an anomalous origin of the left coronary artery, that became manifest during anaesthesia for an ambulatory procedure, leading to circulatory arrest. Precordial stethoscope and pulse oximeter unequivocally showed a circulatory arrest. Even in ambulatory procedures, a presumed healthy patient may quickly develop a life-threatening condition because of occult disease. The successful management of such cases depends on efficient and coordinated teamwork.
Heidegger
T
T
Department of Anaesthesia, Kantonsspital St Gallen, St Gallen, Switzerland.
Waidelich
E
E
Kreienbuehl
G
G
D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures; D018685:Anesthetics, Inhalation / Q000009:adverse effects; D002302:Cardiac Output / Q000187:drug effects; D003330:Coronary Vessel Anomalies / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006221:Halothane / Q000009:adverse effects; D006323:Heart Arrest / Q000209:etiology*; D006552:Hernia, Inguinal / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology*
D018685:Anesthetics, Inhalation; D006221:Halothane