Compression of anomalous right coronary artery between the great vessels.
Coronary angiography (Figure-1) and computerized tomographic angiography (CTA) (Figure-2) of a 61-year-old man with exertional angina demonstrated proximal compression by the great vessels of an anomalous right coronary arising from the left main trunk. A significant left anterior descending lesion was also present. The patient underwent uneventful bypass surgery. CTA is very useful for confirmation of the inter-arterial course of an aberrant coronary artery. Proposed mechanisms of sudden death include exertional coronary compression between the great vessels, with associated ostial narrowing, as well as acute angulation of the coronary course. Coronary bypass is the treatment of choice for these patients.
Chen
Jack P
JP
Department of Cardiology, Northside Hospital and Saint Joseph's Hospital of Atlanta, Atlanta, USA. chenjackapollo@yahoo.com
Balk
Michael A
MA
D001011:Aorta; D017023:Coronary Angiography; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003330:Coronary Vessel Anomalies / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011651:Pulmonary Artery; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed