This article reports an anatomic specimen specifically prepared to demonstrate a rare anomaly of the origin of the left coronary artery from the right sinus of Valsalva, with an incidence of 0.15% in patients undergoing coronary angiography. This is a subgroup of coronary artery anomalies with the greatest potential for clinical repercussions, especially sudden death in young patients. Based on current knowledge, pathophysiologic mechanisms, diagnosis and treatment options of anatomical variations of the anomalous origin of a coronary artery from the contralateral sinus are discussed. Case Report t he heart is perfused by the coronary arteries and their branches, which originate from the sinuses of Valsalva. Generally, the right coronary artery originates from the right anterior sinus of Valsalva, passing through the coronary groove, and emerging between the pulmonary artery trunk and right atrium. In turn, the left coronary artery originates in the left anterior sinus of Valsalva, behind the pulmonary artery, passing through the coronary groove, and emerging between the pulmonary trunk and left atrium. Coronary artery anomalies result from disturbances that occur in the third week of fetal development.
DESCRIPtORS
2These changes cause anatomical variations related to the origin, trajectory, and termination of these arteries, or alterations in their intrinsic anatomy. Some coronary artery anomalies cause occasional or obligatory ischemia (anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery), whereas others predispose to complications (spasm or development of atheromatous plaques).
3This study aimed to discuss a rare case of anomalous origin of the coronary artery, detected in an anatomic specimen from the anatomy laboratory of a medical school.
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