Type 4 Dual Left Anterior Descending Artery: A Case Report of a Rare Congenital Coronary Anomaly.

Dual left anterior descending artery (LAD) is a rare congenital coronary artery anomaly with a prevalence of approximately 1% in the general population. To date, 10 types of dual LAD artery anomalies have been reported. Among these, type 4 is one of the rarest. Knowledge and recognition of the dual LAD artery are important for correct diagnosis and planning of coronary bypass surgery and percutaneous coronary intervention. We report a case of a 59-year-old male with type 4 dual LAD artery who presented with dyspepsia and sweating for several months and had approximately 50%-70% stenosis in a major diagonal branch off the short LAD artery.

Association of Coronary Wall Thickening and Diminished Diastolic Function in Asymptomatic, Low Cardiovascular Disease-Risk Persons Living with HIV.

Purpose To assess early subclinical coronary artery disease (CAD) burden and its relation to myocardial function in asymptomatic persons living with HIV (PLWH) who are at low risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Materials and Methods In this prospective, HIPAA-compliant study (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01656564 and NCT01399385) conducted from April 2010 to May 2013, 74 adult PLWH without known CVD and 25 matched healthy controls underwent coronary MRI to measure coronary vessel wall thickness (VWT) and echocardiography to assess left ventricular function. Univariable and multivariable linear regression analyses were used to evaluate statistical associations. Results For PLWH, the mean age was 49 years ± 11 (SD), and the median Framingham risk score was 3.2 (IQR, 0.5-6.6); for matched healthy controls, the mean age was 46 years ± 8 and Framingham risk score was 2.3 (IQR, 0.6-6.1). PLWH demonstrated significantly greater coronary artery VWT than did controls (1.47 mm ± 0.22 vs 1.34 mm ± 0.18; P = .006) and a higher left ventricular mass index (LVMI) (77 ± 16 vs 70 ± 13; P = .04). Compared with controls, PLWH showed altered association between coronary artery VWT and both E/A (ratio of left ventricular-filling peak blood flow velocity in early diastole [E wave] to that in late diastole [A wave]) (P = .03) and LVMI (P = .04). In the PLWH subgroup analysis, coronary artery VWT increase was associated with lower E/A (P < .001) and higher LVMI (P = .03), indicating restricted diastolic function. In addition, didanosine exposure was associated with increased coronary artery VWT and decreased E/A ratio. Conclusion Asymptomatic low-CVD-risk PLWH demonstrated increased coronary artery VWT in association with impaired diastolic function, which may be amenable to follow-up studies of coronary pathogenesis to identify potential effects on the myocardium and risk modification strategies. Keywords: Coronary Vessel Wall Thickness, Diastolic Function, HIV, MRI, Echocardiography, Atherosclerosis Clinical trial registration nos. NCT01656564 and NCT01399385 Supplemental material is available for this article. © RSNA, 2024.

Coronary Artery Fistula Involving the RCA, LAD, and the Main Pulmonary Artery.

We present a case of a complex congenital coronary artery fistula between the right coronary artery, left anterior descending artery, and the main pulmonary artery complicated by massive aneurysms and a left-to-right shunt. We highlight the multimodality approach to assessment and the importance of individualized management of complex coronary fistulas.

An Unusual Case of Vasospastic Angina Resulting in Multiple Episodes of Cardiac Arrest.

Coronary vasospasm is a well-recognized cause of angina (also known as Prinzmetal angina) and a common cause of admissions to the emergency department and coronary intensive care units. It is however an uncommon cause of cardiac arrest. We describe a patient with multiple episodes of chest pain followed by cardiac arrest in pulseless electrical activity (PEA) due to coronary vasospasm. Telemetry and electrocardiography showed ST-segment elevation followed by PEA. Each event was short-lived and resolved after a maximum of six minutes of advanced life support measures. The patient was started on treatment with a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker (CCB) and nitroglycerin patch with no further episodes recorded to date.

Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery Mimic: A Case of Coronary Artery to Pulmonary Artery Fistula.

Coronary artery fistulas (CAFs) are rare coronary anomalies involving the communication of an epicardial coronary artery and another cardiovascular structure. CAFs are usually easily distinguished from nearby coronary arteries. Here, we report a unique case of CAF that mimics the size, branching pattern, and appearance of a native epicardial left anterior descending artery.

Ischemic Myocardial Positron Emission Tomography Perfusion Without Epicardial Coronary Disease in Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy.

The presence of impaired microvascular coronary flow (MCF) identified by positron emission tomography myocardial perfusion imaging (PET-MPI) has been described in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) patients, contributes to blunted myocardial perfusion during vasodilator stress, and is a strong predictor of poor prognosis. A 45-year-old female with hypertension and obesity presented with angina. Her PET-MPI displayed vasodilator stress-induced global LV ischemia. However, her coronary angiogram revealed no obstructive coronary disease. These contradictory findings triggered a more thorough cardiac MRI with diffuse myocardial fibrosis, indicating high-risk HOCM. She underwent implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) placement due to non-sustained ventricular tachycardia and syncope. While this patient lacked epicardial coronary disease, her PET-MPI demonstrated global LV ischemia due to decreased MCF, leading to inadequate augmentation of myocardial perfusion during hyperemia. This is a well-described phenomenon responsible for anginal symptoms in HOCM patients. HOCM hearts have abnormally thick coronary arterioles and decreased capillary density, leading to increased oxygen diffusion distances and reduced perfusion. The presence of vasodilator-induced, global ischemia on PET-MPI without epicardial stenosis should raise suspicion for HOCM with impaired MCF, which represents a high-risk population with an almost 10 times greater risk of cardiovascular mortality compared to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with preserved MCF.

Coronary vessel segmentation in coronary angiography with a multi-scale U-shaped transformer incorporating boundary aggregation and topology preservation.

Coronary vessel segmentation plays a pivotal role in automating the auxiliary diagnosis of coronary heart disease. The continuity and boundary accuracy of the segmented vessels directly affect the subsequent processing. Notably, during segmentation, vessels with severe stenosis can easily cause boundary errors and breakage, resulting in isolated islands. To address these issues, we propose a novel multi-scale U-shaped transformer with boundary aggregation and topology preservation (UT-BTNet) for coronary vessel segmentation in coronary angiography. Specifically, considering the characteristics of coronary vessels, we first develop the UT-BTNet for coronary vessels segmentation, which combines the advantages of a convolutional neural networks (CNN) and a transformer, and is able to effectively extract the local and global features of angiographic images. Secondly, we innovatively employ boundary loss and topological loss in two stages, in addition to the traditional losses. In the first stage, boundary loss is adopted, which has the effect of boundary aggregation. In the second stage, topological loss is applied to preserve the topology of the vessels, after the network converges. In the experiment, in addition to the two metrics of Dice and intersection over union (IoU), we specifically propose two metrics of boundary intersection over union (BIoU) and Betti error to evaluate boundary accuracy and the continuity of segmentation results. The results show that the Dice is 0.9291, the IoU is 0.8687, the BIoU is 0.5094, and the Betti error is 0.3400. Compared with the other state-of-the-art methods, UT-BTNet achieves better segmentation results, while ensuring the continuity and boundary accuracy of the vessels, indicating its potential clinical value.

Development of Multi-Vessel Coronary No-Reflow Following Elective Percutaneous Intervention in One Vessel.

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a frequently performed procedure that can have minor or major complications. One of the more serious complications of PCI is the development of coronary no-reflow. No-reflow signifies reduced or absent coronary flow in the distal coronary circulation in the absence of flow-limiting lesions. We present a case of a middle-aged man who presented as an outpatient for elective coronary angiography due to angina pectoris and a high-risk exercise stress test. Coronary angiography demonstrated significant single-vessel disease with lesions in the proximal and mid-segments of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery. Successful placement of drug-eluting stents in the LAD was followed by a severe drop in blood pressure, worsening chest pain, and ST elevation on telemetry. Immediate angiography showed the development of no-reflow in both the LAD and left circumflex coronary arteries. Ionotropic and intravenous anti-platelet agents were administered with simultaneous placement of an intra-aortic balloon pump, restoring normal flow in both arteries. No-reflow occurs most commonly following PCI in certain lesion subsets, and it is usually seen only in the vessel in which the PCI was performed (culprit vessel). It is important to realize that this phenomenon can occur in other circumstances since immediate recognition and treatment can be lifesaving.

Coronary microvascular resistance comparison of coronary arteries with and without considering vascular diameter: A retrospective, single-center study.

Background and Aims: Measurement of coronary microvascular resistance (MR) is essential for diagnosing nonocclusive coronary artery ischemia, but whether coronary branches of different diameters can be similarly assessed using hyperemic microvascular resistance index (hMVRI) calculated from average peak velocity (APV) remains unclear. We investigated the relationship between coronary arteries of different diameters and hMVRI. Methods: Thirty patients with suspected angina pectoris and nonobstructive coronary stenosis with fractional flow reserve >0.8 underwent evaluation of all coronary arteries using a Doppler velocity and pressure-equipped guidewire. Quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) was used to analyze vessel diameter (DQCA). Coronary blood flow (CBFQCA) was calculated as πDQCA 2/4 (0.5 × APV) and hMVRIQCA as distal coronary pressure divided by CBFQCA during maximal hyperemia. Results: The hMVRI was significantly higher for the right coronary artery than for the left anterior descending artery, but no significant differences between arteries were seen for CBFQCA and hMVRIQCA. Although the correlation between CBFQCA and APV was weak, CBFQCA divided into three groups according to DQCA showed very strong correlations with APV. Slopes of the straight line between APV and CBFQCA for small-, middle-, and large-diameter groups were 0.48, 0.30, and 0.21, respectively, with slope decreasing as diameter increased. Conclusions: Comparative evaluation of MR in coronary branches with varying vessel diameters requires vessel diameter to be accounted for.

Descripción angiográfica de los aspectos anatómicos y clínicos de la arteria interventricular anterior en un grupo de personas colombianas

Introducción. La arteria interventricular anterior se origina en la coronaria izquierda, irriga la cara anterior de los ventrículos, el ápex y el tabique interventricular; es la segunda arteria más relevante del corazón. Objetivo. Describir las características anatómicas y clínicas de la arteria interventricular anterior mediante angiografía. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo con 200 reportes angiográficos de personas colombianas; se valoraron el origen, el trayecto y la permeabilidad de la arteria interventricular anterior, así como la dominancia coronaria. Se incluyeron datos relacionados con dolor precordial, infarto agudo de miocardio, dislipidemia y alteración electrocardiográfica. No fue posible hacer pruebas estadísticas, debido a la escasa prevalencia de variaciones anatómicas de dicha arteria. Resultados. Se encontró una arteria interventricular anterior con su origen en el seno aórtico izquierdo, sin puente miocárdico, sin alteración de la permeabilidad y con dominancia izquierda. La frecuencia de los puentes fue del 2 % y la dominancia más frecuente fue la derecha en el 86 %. Se presentaron alteraciones de permeabilidad en el 43 % de los casos, las cuales afectaron principalmente al S13. El 25 % de los pacientes presentó dolor precordial; el 40 %, alteraciones ecocardiográficas; el 5 %, cardiopatía isquémica, y el 59 %, alguna alteración electrocardiográfica. Conclusiones. Las variaciones en el origen de la arteria interventricular anterior son poco prevalentes, según reportes de Chile, Colombia y España. Los puentes miocárdicos de esta arteria fueron escasos respecto a otros estudios, lo cual sugiere mejor especificidad de los hallazgos de la angiotomografía o de la disección directa. La permeabilidad coronaria se valora con la escala TIMI (Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction); puntajes de 0 y 1 indican una lesión oclusiva asociada con cardiopatía isquémica. La dominancia coronaria más frecuente, según diversas técnicas, es la derecha, seguida de la izquierda en hombres y de una circulación balanceada en mujeres.

Introduction. The anterior interventricular artery originates from the left coronary artery and irrigates the anterior surface of the ventricles, apex, and interventricular septum, making it the second most relevant artery of the heart. Objective. To describe the anatomical and clinical aspects of the anterior interventricular artery through angiography. Materials and methods. A descriptive study was conducted using 200 angiographic reports of Colombian individuals. The anterior interventricular artery's origin, course, patency, and coronary dominance were evaluated. Data related to chest pain, acute myocardial infarction, dyslipidemia, and electrocardiographic abnormalities were included. Statistical tests could not be performed due to this artery's low prevalence of anatomical variations. Results. One anterior interventricular artery was found to have originated from the left coronary sinus without a myocardial bridge, with no alteration in permeability, and with left dominance. The frequency of bridges was 2%, and the most frequent dominance was right in 86; permeability alterations occurred in 43% mainly affecting S13. Twenty-five per cent presented chest pain; 40%, echocardiographic alterations; 5%, ischemic heart disease, and 59%, electrocardiographic alterations. Conclusions. Variations of origin of the anterior interventricular artery have a low prevalence according to reports from Chile, Colombia, and Spain. anterior interventricular artery myocardial bridges were scarce compared to other studies, suggesting better specificity of computed tomography angiography or direct dissection for these findings. The assessment of coronary permeability is graded with the thrombolysis in myocardial infarction scale; values 0 and 1 indicate occlusive lesion associated with ischemic heart disease. According to various techniques, the most frequent coronary dominance the right, followed by the left in men and balanced circulation in women.

Anomalous Left Circumflex Artery Arising From the Right Coronary Artery: A Cadaveric Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Coronary artery anomalies are relatively rare in the general population; however, they remain clinically significant due to their varying effects on cardiovascular function and diagnostic and treatment outcomes. Here is described an anomalous left circumflex artery (ALCx) discovered during routine dissection of a 76-year-old female anatomical donor. The ALCx was seen arising from shared ostia with the right coronary artery and conus artery from the right aortic sinus of Valsalva, giving off the left atrial branch along its retroaortic course before reaching the left aspect of the coronary sulcus. The left coronary artery took a traditional course, arising from the left aortic sinus of Valsalva before traveling in the anterior interventricular sulcus. A review of the literature was conducted to determine the incidence of ALCx and elucidate any associated clinical considerations. Though relatively rare, clinical awareness is necessary as evidence indicates ALCx, particularly the retroaortic portion, may be more prone to atherosclerosis, intimal proliferation, luminal occlusion, and increased ratio of necrotic core in atherosclerotic plaques. Imaging studies, including the aortic root sign on left ventriculography, can aid in the identification of ALCx. Awareness of ALCx and its potential influence on cardiac health is critical for the avoidance of diagnostic errors and adverse treatment outcomes. Through this case report, we seek to present the current evidence outlining the incidence of ALCx, as well as the literature surrounding its clinical implications.

Angiographic description of the anatomy and clinical aspects of the anterior interventricular artery in a group of Colombians individuals / Descripción angiográfica de los aspectos anatómicos y clínicos de la arteria interventricular anterior en un grupo de personas colombianas

Introduction: The anterior interventricular artery originates from the left coronary artery and irrigates the anterior surface of the ventricles, apex, and interventricular septum, making it the second most relevant artery of the heart. Objective: To describe the anatomical and clinical aspects of the anterior interventricular artery through angiography. Materials and methods: A descriptive study was conducted using 200 angiographic reports of Colombian individuals. The anterior interventricular artery's origin, course, patency, and coronary dominance were evaluated. Data related to chest pain, acute myocardial infarction, dyslipidemia, and electrocardiographic abnormalities were included. Statistical tests could not be performed due to this artery's low prevalence of anatomical variations. Results: One anterior interventricular artery was found to have originated from the left coronary sinus without a myocardial bridge, with no alteration in permeability, and with left dominance. The frequency of bridges was 2%, and the most frequent dominance was right in 86%; permeability alterations occurred in 43% mainly affecting S13. Twentyfive per cent presented chest pain; 40%, echocardiographic alterations; 5%, ischemic heart disease, and 59%, electrocardiographic alterations. Conclusions: Variations of origin of the anterior interventricular artery have a low prevalence according to reports from Chile, Colombia, and Spain. anterior interventricular artery myocardial bridges were scarce compared to other studies, suggesting better specificity of computed tomography angiography or direct dissection for these findings. The assessment of coronary permeability is graded with the thrombolysis in myocardial infarction scale; values 0 and 1 indicate occlusive lesion associated with ischemic heart disease. According to various techniques, the most frequent coronary dominance the right, followed by the left in men and balanced circulation in women.

Introducción: La arteria interventricular anterior se origina en la coronaria izquierda, irriga la cara anterior de los ventrículos, el ápex y el tabique interventricular; es la segunda arteria más relevante del corazón. OBJETIVO: Describir las características anatómicas y clínicas de la arteria interventricular anterior mediante angiografía. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo con 200 reportes angiográficos de personas colombianas; se valoraron el origen, el trayecto y la permeabilidad de la arteria interventricular anterior, así como la dominancia coronaria. Se incluyeron datos relacionados con dolor precordial, infarto agudo de miocardio, dislipidemia y alteración electrocardiográfica. No fue posible hacer pruebas estadísticas, debido a la escasa prevalencia de variaciones anatómicas de dicha arteria. RESULTADOS: Se encontró una arteria interventricular anterior con su origen en el seno aórtico izquierdo, sin puente miocárdico, sin alteración de la permeabilidad y con dominancia izquierda. La frecuencia de los puentes fue del 2 % y la dominancia más frecuente fue la derecha en el 86 %. Se presentaron alteraciones de permeabilidad en el 43 % de los casos, las cuales afectaron principalmente al S13. El 25 % de los pacientes presentó dolor precordial; el 40 %, alteraciones ecocardiográficas; el 5 %, cardiopatía isquémica, y el 59 %, alguna alteración electrocardiográfica. CONCLUSIONES: Las variaciones en el origen de la arteria interventricular anterior son poco prevalentes, según reportes de Chile, Colombia y España. Los puentes miocárdicos de esta arteria fueron escasos respecto a otros estudios, lo cual sugiere mejor especificidad de los hallazgos de la angiotomografía o de la disección directa. La permeabilidad coronaria se valora con la escala TIMI (Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction); puntajes de 0 y 1 indican una lesión oclusiva asociada con cardiopatía isquémica. La dominancia coronaria más frecuente, según diversas técnicas, es la derecha, seguida de la izquierda en hombres y de una circulación balanceada en mujeres.

Pathophysiology and Treatment of Intraseptal-Course Left Coronary Anomaly: Surgery for All?

Intraseptal-course, ectopic coronary anomalies are not well characterized as to anatomy, function, prognosis, and treatment. Recently, a revolutionary but unsupported new theory is claiming that most patients with a Left Anomalous Coronary Artery originating from the Opposite Sinus with anomalous Intra-Septal course (L-ACAOS-IS)-even small children-have significant stenoses and require open-heart surgery to prevent acute myocardial infarction and death. This surprising view has spurred ongoing discussions among adult and pediatric cardiologists and cardiac surgeons, compelling us (the conservative party in the discussion) to offer an in-depth and comprehensive review of this anomaly, based on objective but opposite data. We and other adult cardiologists have followed numerous L-ACAOS-IS patients for many years and have observed none of the claimed catastrophes. Rather, we have consistently found that L-ACAOS-IS generally has a benign clinical prognosis. We present the general principle of coronary artery dysfunction in anatomical congenital anomalies (that only significant luminal coronary stenosis can have clinical repercussions). We then review anatomical and functional details of L-ACAOS-IS related to prognosis and treatment indications, which could explain many of the clinical presentations recently mentioned. Finally, we encourage our more liberal colleagues to recognize that, compared with normal coronary arteries, those with anomalies of origin and course are associated with frequent coronary spasm. In particular, we underscore that some of the ischemic manifestations and other results might actually be caused by pressure wire-induced artifacts (rigid wires tend to cause coronary spasm when advanced into tortuous coronary arteries).

[Takotsubo cardiomyopathy associated with abnormal birth of the coronary arteries]. / Miocardiopatía de Takotsubo asociada al nacimiento anómalo de las arterias coronarias.

Background: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TM) is a form of non-ischemic cardiomyopathy. It is characterized by transient regional systolic dysfunction of the left ventricle that mimics acute myocardial infarction. The main objective of this article is to report the case of a patient with TM associated with abnormal birth of the left coronary trunk. Clinical case: A 76-year-old woman with typical angina at rest, with an electrocardiogram that showed dynamic changes in the T wave and elevation of biomarkers. Coronary angiography showed epicardial coronary arteries without significant lesions and abnormal birth of the left coronary trunk from the proximal segment of the right coronary artery. The patient progressed favorably, and the transthoracic echocardiogram showed no mobility disorders 3 months after the event. Conclusions: TM and abnormal birth of the coronary arteries are rare diseases whose simultaneous presentation is extraordinary. The diagnosis of both clinical entities is made by coronary angiography and echocardiogram, and their treatment is similar to that of patients with acute coronary syndrome. Abnormal birth of the left coronary trunk with retroaortic switch reaching the contralateral site has a good clinical prognosis and echocardiographic follow-up should be performed 4 weeks after the onset of the condition.

Introducción: la miocardiopatía de Takotsubo (MT) es una forma de miocardiopatía no isquémica. Se caracteriza por la disfunción sistólica regional transitoria del ventrículo izquierdo que imita al infarto agudo de miocardio. El objetivo principal de este artículo es reportar el caso de una paciente con MT asociada al nacimiento anómalo del tronco coronario izquierdo. Caso clínico: paciente mujer de 76 años que presentó angina típica en reposo, con un electrocardiograma que evidenció cambios dinámicos en la onda T y elevación de biomarcadores. La coronariografía evidenció a las arterias coronarias epicárdicas sin lesiones significativas y el nacimiento anómalo del tronco coronario izquierdo proveniente del segmento proximal de la arteria coronaria derecha. La paciente evolucionó de manera favorable y el ecocardiograma transtorácico no mostró trastornos en la movilidad a los tres meses del evento. Conclusiones: la MT y el nacimiento anómalo de las arterias coronarias son enfermedades raras cuya presentación simultánea es extraordinaria. El diagnóstico de ambas entidades clínicas se realiza mediante la coronariografía y el ecocardiograma, y su tratamiento es similar al de los pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo. El nacimiento anómalo del tronco coronario izquierdo con cruce retroaórtico que alcanza el sitio contralateral tiene un buen pronóstico y se debe realizar seguimiento clínico y ecocardiográfico a las cuatro semanas del inicio del padecimiento.

A framework of myocardial bridge detection with x-ray angiography sequence.

BACKGROUND: Myocardial bridges are congenital anatomical abnormalities in which myocardium covers a segment of coronary arteries, leading to stenocardia, myocardial ischemia, and sudden cardiac death in severe cases. However, automatic diagnosis of myocardial bridge presents significant challenges. METHOD: A novel framework of myocardial bridge detection with x-ray angiography sequence is proposed, which can realize automatic detection of vessel stenosis and myocardial bridge. Firstly, we employ a novel neural network model for coronary vessel segmentation, which consists of both CNNs and transformer structures to effectively extract both local and global information of the vessels. Secondly, we describe the vessel segment information, establish the vessel tree in the image, and fuse the vessel tree information between sequences. Finally, based on vessel stenosis detection, we realize automatic detection of the myocardial bridge by querying the blood vessels between the image sequence information. RESULTS: In experiment, we evaluate the segmentation results using two metrics, Dice and ASD, and achieve scores of 0.917 and 1.39, respectively. In the stenosis detection, we achieve an average accuracy rate of 92.7% in stenosis detection among 262 stenoses. In multi-frame image processing, vessels in different frames can be well-matched, and the accuracy of myocardial bridge detection achieves 75%. CONCLUSIONS: Our experimental results demonstrate that the algorithm can automatically detect stenosis and myocardial bridge, providing a new idea for subsequent automatic diagnosis of coronary vessels.

Two Cases of Highly Symptomatic Interarterial Anomalous Right Coronary Arteries.

Coronary artery anomalies are a broad group of congenital coronary artery variations. Anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery is a variant that occurs when a coronary artery arises from an inappropriate sinus of Valsalva. While most patients are asymptomatic, these congenital variants may predispose them to symptoms or even sudden cardiac death (SCD). Unfortunately, no unified consensus exists on risk stratification or management of patients with these congenital variants. We present two unique cases of symptomatic anomalous right coronary arteries and discuss their presentations, imaging findings, and management.

Myocardial Bridging: Review on the Role of Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography.

Myocardial bridging (MB) is a congenital coronary anomaly in which a segment of a coronary artery, most frequently the left anterior descending artery, deviates from its epicardial route by passing through the myocardium. The advent of cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA), equipped with its multiplane and three-dimensional functionalities, has notably enhanced the ability to identify MBs. Furthermore, novel post-processing methods have recently emerged to extract functional insights from anatomical evaluations. MB is generally considered a benign entity with very good survival rates; however, there is an increasing volume of evidence that certain MB characteristics may be associated with cardiovascular morbidity. This review is intended to depict the diagnostic and prognostic role of CCTA in the MB context.

3D Printed Model-Guided Neonatal Transcatheter Closure of Left Main Coronary Artery-to-Right Ventricle Fistula.

We report on a 2-week-old infant with huge left main coronary artery-to-right ventricular outflow tract fistula causing myocardial ischemia due to global coronary steal who was successfully submitted to percutaneous closure guided by a 3-dimensional-printed model using a duct-occluder vascular plug. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.).

Coronary Ostial Acquired Occlusion or Congenital Atresia: An Ongoing Discussion.

Coronary ostial atresia is a developmental abnormality that typically causes asymptomatic anomalies in the coronary blood supply. This case report, which presents 2 symptomatic patients with right coronary artery abnormalities, explores difficulties in diagnosing coronary ostial atresia and distinguishing it from single coronary artery and coronary artery disease-related acquired occlusion. Factors underlying management decisions are also discussed.

Morphological Changes of Anomalous Coronary Arteries From the Aorta During the Cardiac Cycle Assessed by IVUS in Resting Conditions.

BACKGROUND: Anomalous aortic origin of coronary artery (AAOCA) with intramural segment is associated with risk of sudden cardiac death, probably related to a compressive mechanism exerted by the aorta. However, the intramural compression occurrence and magnitude during the cardiac cycle remain unknown. We hypothesized that (1) in end diastole, the intramural segment is narrower, more elliptic, and has greater resistance than extramural segment; (2) the intramural segment experiences a further compression in systole; and (3) morphometry and its systolic changes vary within different lumen cross-sections of the intramural segment. METHODS: Phasic changes of lumen cross-sectional coronary area, roundness (minimum/maximum lumen diameter), and hemodynamic resistance (Poiseuille law for noncircular sections) were derived from intravascular ultrasound pullbacks at rest for the ostial, distal intramural, and extramural segments. Data were obtained for 35 AAOCA (n=23 with intramural tract) after retrospective image-based gating and manual lumen segmentation. Differences between systolic and end-diastolic phases in each section, between sections of the same coronary, and between AAOCA with and without intramural tract were assessed by nonparametric statistical tests. RESULTS: In end diastole, both the ostial and distal intramural sections were more elliptical (P<0.001) than the reference extramural section and the correspondent sections in AAOCA without intramural segment. In systole, AAOCA with intramural segment showed a flattening at the ostium (-6.76% [10.82%]; P=0.024) and a flattening (-5.36% [16.56%]; P=0.011), a narrowing (-4.62% [11.38%]; P=0.020), and a resistance increase (15.61% [30.07%]; P=0.012) at the distal intramural section. No-intramural sections did not show morphological changes during the entire cardiac cycle. CONCLUSIONS: AAOCA with intramural segment has pathological segment-specific dynamic compression mainly in the systole under resting conditions. Studying AAOCA behavior with intravascular ultrasound during the cardiac cycle may help to evaluate and quantify the severity of the narrowing.