Congenital Coronary Variants and Anomalies: Prevalence in Cardiovascular Multislice Computed Tomography Studies in a Single Center

Catarina A. Oliveira, Paula Mota, Susana P. Basso, Rui P. Catarino

Cardiology Department, General Hospital, University Hospital of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
Medical Imaging Department, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.

DOI: 10.4236/ojrad.2014.42021                

Abstract

In the era of Multislice Computed Tomography (MSCT), few studies have been dedicated to the evaluation of coronary anomalies and variants. We aim to present, describe and assess the prevalence of congenital coronary variants and anomalies (CVA) in the MSCT coronary angiographic studies performed in our department. All the MSCT coronary angiographies performed in our department, between April 1, 2007 and May 31, 2012 were reviewed. Coronary anomalies and variants were characterized and grouped according to their type: origin, course (including myocardial bridging) and distal ending. A total of 663 patients underwent a MSCT coronary evaluation during this period. A total of 84 anomalies and variants were identified in 80 individuals: 12.1% of the population (80/663). The most frequent variant was the myocardial bridging of the anterior descending artery. Four (4.7%) of the anomalies were considered malignant, corresponding to a prevalence of 0.6% (4/663) in the population. Congenital coronary anomalies and variants are relatively common. In our study, the prevalence was 12.1%, myocardial bridging being the most common. This fact may explain the higher prevalence compared to some series based on the cardiac catheterization studies. Few of these anomalies were considered malignant, with prevalence rates similar to those found in the cardiac catheterization studies.

Keywords

Coronary Angiography, Congenital Anomalies, Diagnosis, Epidemiology, Imaging, Computed Tomography

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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