Introduction:
Anomalous aortic origin of coronary arteries (AAOCA) is uncommon congenital anomalies of the coronary circulation. Anomalous left main coronary artery (LMCA) originating from the right cusp is one of the rarer anomalies (incidence ~ 0.03% of patients undergoing coronary angiography). Mostly asymptomatic, however, this may become clinically significant with symptoms ranging from atypical chest discomfort to sudden cardiac death. We present a case of anomalous origin LMCA from the right coronary cusp.
Case presentation:
A 47-year-old female presented to the ED with three days of substernal chest pressure at rest. BP 106/71 mmHg, pulse 72 bpm, normal regular heart sounds, and clear lungs. The ECG showed new anterolateral T-wave inversions. Troponin-I was 0.31 ng/ mL. Echocardiogram showed normal LVEF without focal wall motion abnormalities. Coronary angiography revealed a dominant patent RCA without any disease. LMCA originated from the right coronary cusp with focal 90% ostial LAD stenosis. The rest of the coronary tree was free of disease. CABG with LIMA to LAD and SVG to OM1 was performed.
Discussion:
AAOCA presents a unique challenge to diagnosis and management. CT coronary angiogram or magnetic resonance angiography is recommended for more accurate delineation of the course of the coronary vessel. The diagnostic challenge to effectively engage the anomalous artery and to obtain coronary angiogram to delineate anatomy is critical in further management. As seen in our case, this is easy to overlook and in the acute event could lead to unnecessary delay.