Anomalous Origin of Right Coronary Artery From Left Coronary Sinus—13 Cases Treated With the Reimplantation Technique

Abstract

Objectives:

Anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery is uncommon but potentially clinically significant. Manifestations vary from asymptomatic patients to those who present with angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, heart failure, syncope, arrhythmias, and sudden death. We describe our experience with surgical reimplantation and results at midterm follow-up.

Methods:

Between February 2003 and July 2016, a total of 13 patients with anomalous origin of the right coronary artery (RCA) from the left sinus underwent surgical reimplantation.

Results:

Mean age was 39 years (range, 11-72 years). Eight patients presented with dyspnea and angina, two with acute myocardial infarction, and the remaining three were studied for atypical chest pain and ventricular premature contractions. Definitive diagnosis was achieved with coronary angiography in eight cases and with computed tomography scan in five. In all cases, the anomalous origin of the RCA from the left sinus had an intramural course except one case with interarterial (but not intramural) course. At operation, the RCA was dissected at the takeoff from the intramural course and reimplanted into the right sinus of Valsalva. There was no mortality. One patient had associated atherosclerotic coronary artery disease that required stent placement postoperatively. After a mean follow-up of 65 months (maximum 12 years), all patients are asymptomatic and have returned to exercise without limitations.

Conclusions:

The reimplantation technique provides a good physiological and anatomical repair, eliminates a slit-like ostium, avoids compression of the coronary artery between the aorta and the pulmonary artery, and gives similar results to the unroofing technique.