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Article
Anomalous origin of the left coronary artery
Journal of the American Osteopathic Association
  • E. Placentra
  • Bruce Kornberg, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
  • A. D'Alonzo
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-1989
Disciplines
Abstract

Coronary artery anomalies are a frequent finding in the general population and often result in sudden death. Therefore, rapid diagnosis and surgical correction are essential. Although coronary arteriography ultimately is necessary to determine the exact nature of the anomaly, two-dimensional echocardiography and radionuclide tests may provide valuable information in the initial workup of patients with chest pain, as demonstrated in the case reported here. This patient, who had angina-like symptoms, was found on cardiac angiography to have an anomalous left coronary artery rising from the right coronary sinus of Valsalva. Double coronary artery bypass grafting involving the left anterior descending and circumflex marginal vessels alleviated symptoms and resulted in improved exercise tolerance. The authors discuss theories explaining the spectrum of ischemia, infarction, and sudden death and surgical alternatives that improve survival rates.

Comments

This article was published in Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, Volume 89, Issue 4, Pages 506-510.

The published version is available at http://jaoa.org/article.aspx?articleid=2098439.

Copyright © 1989.

Citation Information
E. Placentra, Bruce Kornberg and A. D'Alonzo. "Anomalous origin of the left coronary artery" Journal of the American Osteopathic Association Vol. 89 Iss. 4 (1989) p. 506 - 510
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/bruce_kornberg/9/