Anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the right pulmonary artery presenting following relief of left heart obstruction: a distinct and predictable clinico-pathological syndrome.

INTRODUCTION

Pre-operative recognition of significant abnormalities of the coronary arteries is important in a variety of congenital cardiac conditions. Failure to diagnose anomalous origin of the coronary artery from the pulmonary artery during repair of other anomalies is important because reduction in pulmonary artery pressure will reduce myocardial perfusion pressure.

PATIENTS: We report two cases of the rare association of anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the right pulmonary artery, aortic coarctation, and mitral stenosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Definitive imaging of coronary artery anatomy by echocardiography or other modalities should form a routine part of diagnostic assessment in all congenital heart disease patients but particularly those with left heart obstruction.