Repair of an ascending aortic aneurysm associated with an anomalous right coronary artery origin

Abstract

Background: Anomalous right coronary artery (RCA) origin off the ascending aorta, above the level of the sinus of Valsalva, is rare and can be associated with altered hemodynamics, decreased coronary perfusion, and presents unique considerations during intraoperative management in the surgical treatment of concomitant ascending aneurysmal disease.Case Presentation: A 58-year-old female with prior symptomatic visceral aneurysmal rupture and cerebrovascular disease presented with a 5 cm ascending aortic aneurysm, elevated aortic index, and increased rupture risk factors. She was preoperatively diagnosed with an anomalous, high RCA origin off the ascending aorta 15 mm above the sinotubular junction. She underwent successful ascending aortic repair using a 28 mm Dacron hemiarch graft with reimplantation of an RCA button. Conclusion:Our successful reconstructive surgical repair using an RCA button is effective management for high anomalous RCA take-offs from the ascending aorta and presents the first documented case of this rare coronary anomaly in the context of ascending aortic aneurysmal disease.