Coronary artery anomalies in adults: Imaging at dual source CT coronary angiography

Abstract

SummaryCongenital abnormalities of the coronary arteries have an incidence of 1%, and most of these are benign. However, a small number are associated with myocardial ischaemia and sudden death. Various imaging modalities are available for coronary artery assessment. Recently, multi-detector CT has emerged as an accurate diagnostic tool for defining coronary artery anomalies. The purpose of this pictorial essay is to review the dual source CT appearance of congenital anomalies of the coronary arteries in adults.

Anomalous origin of the right coronary artery from the mid-left anterior descending coronary artery: association with acute myocardial infarction

“…2 Most cases of coronary arteries anomalies are asymptomatic; however some are associated with increased risk of myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death. 3 The mechanism of ischaemia is still unclear and according to prevailing opinion, coronary segments with an anomalous course are no more vulnerable to obstructive atherosclerotic disease than are normal segments in the same individual. 4 …”