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Anomalous origin of left coronary artery. RAC-sign. A case report

https://doi.org/10.15829/1728-8800-2024-4050

Abstract

Anomalous coronary origin is a rarely diagnosed condition, the first manifestation of which may be sudden cardiac death. Diagnosis of this pathology, as well as other cardiac and coronary anomalies, is based on imaging diagnostic methods. Transthoracic echocardiography is the most accessible screening method to describe the retroaortic anomalous coronary (RAC) sign. However, due to the low detection rate of this condition and the suboptimal sensitivity of echocardiography, anomalous aortic origin often remains undiagnosed. This article presents the diagnosis of an anomalous origin of the left coronary artery through echocardiography and computed tomography in an elderly patient who had previously been observed for a long time for other cardiovascular diseases. With this case report, we want to emphasize the importance of awareness about congenital coronary artery pathology for the timely routing of patients and providing proper care.

About the Authors

V. M. Kosulina
National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine
Russian Federation

Moscow



V. S. Bashnyak
National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine
Russian Federation

Moscow



O. E. Shirobokikh
National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine
Russian Federation

Moscow



K. S. Krupichka
National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine
Russian Federation

Moscow



References

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Supplementary files

  • Abnormal coronary structure is a potentially dangerous condition and can cause sudden cardiac death, but currently there are still difficulties in its diagnosis and further risk stratification due to its low rarity.
  • Echocardiography, which has suboptimal sensitivity, is a diagnostic screening method. Cardiac magnetic resonance angiography and computed tomography allow reliable visualization of coronary system anatomical features.
  • Surgical treatment of anomalous coronary origin is advisable with symptoms of angina or silent myocardial ischemia according to stress testing.

Review

For citations:


Kosulina V.M., Bashnyak V.S., Shirobokikh O.E., Krupichka K.S. Anomalous origin of left coronary artery. RAC-sign. A case report. Cardiovascular Therapy and Prevention. 2024;23(8):4050. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.15829/1728-8800-2024-4050

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ISSN 1728-8800 (Print)
ISSN 2619-0125 (Online)