Origin Of Coronary Artery Research Articles

Fully automated pipeline for measurement of the thoracic aorta using joint segmentation and localization neural network.

Diagnosis and surveillance of thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) involves measuring the aortic diameter at various locations along the length of the aorta, often using computed tomography angiography (CTA). Currently, measurements are performed by human raters using specialized software for three-dimensional analysis, a time-consuming process, requiring 15 to 45min of focused effort. Thus, we aimed to develop a convolutional neural network (CNN)-based algorithm for fully automated and accurate aortic measurements. Using 212 CTA scans, we trained a CNN to perform segmentation and localization of key landmarks jointly. Segmentation mask and landmarks are subsequently used to obtain the centerline and cross-sectional diameters of the aorta. Subsequently, a cubic spline is fit to the aortic boundary at the sinuses of Valsalva to avoid errors related inclusions of coronary artery origins. Performance was evaluated on a test set of 60 scans with automated measurements compared against expert manual raters. Compared to training separate networks for each task, joint training yielded higher accuracy for segmentation, especially at the boundary (), but a marginally worse (0.2 to 0.5mm) accuracy for landmark localization (). Mean absolute error between human and automated was at six of nine standard clinical measurement locations. However, higher errors were noted in the aortic root and arch regions, ranging between 1.4 and 2.2mm, although agreement of manual raters was also lower in these regions. Fully automated aortic diameter measurements in TAA are feasible using a CNN-based algorithm. Automated measurements demonstrated low errors that are comparable in magnitude to those with manual raters; however, measurement error was highest in the aortic root and arch.

Anomalous origin of left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery: Our 30 years of surgical experience and outcomes.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate our 30 years of surgical experience and outcomes in management of anomalous origin of left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery with various age groups. Methods: Between March 1992 and August 2022, a total of 21 patients (10 males, 11 females; mean age: 16.3±15.9 years; range, 1 to 64 years) diagnosed with anomalous origin of left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery who underwent successful surgical repair were retrospectively analyzed. An initial diagnosis was made with two-dimensional echocardiography. Cardiac catheterization and angiography were performed in all our patients. Results: The median follow-up was five (range, 1 to 14) years. The mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 43.47±14.30% with associated moderate-to-severe mitral regurgitation in seven (33.33%) patients. Coronary button transfer was performed in 15 (71.42%) patients, Takeuchi repair in four (19.04%) patients, and ligation of anomalous left main coronary artery and ligation with great saphenous venous graft in one (4.76%) patient. There was no mortality. However, two (9.52%) patients had prolonged intensive care unit stay (>7 days). At the final follow-up, the mean left ventricular ejection fraction improved to 57.47±4.97%. Regression of moderate mitral regurgitation was observed in four (66.6%) patients. Conclusion: Preoperative left ventricular function is a major risk factor of perioperative mortality and morbidity. Mitral valve intervention is not warranted concomitantly in patients with moderate mitral regurgitation, if there are no structural lesions. Early diagnosis and meticulous surgical technique can yield excellent results and good long-term outcomes.

Common ostial origin of right coronary artery and trunk of right marginal artery and dominant left anterior descending artery from right aortic sinus: hitherto unreported pattern.

Common ostial origin of right coronary artery and trunk of right marginal artery and dominant left anterior descending artery from right aortic sinus: hitherto unreported pattern.

Dual left anterior descending coronary artery and anomalous origin of left circumflex artery: a novel coronary anomaly revealed by CCTA.

In the rare coronary anomaly of Dual LAD, two segments of the vessel reside within the anterior interventricular sulcus. In our case, the short LAD originated from the Left Coronary Sinus (LCS), while the long LAD emerged from the Right Coronary Sinus (RCS). The LCx arose from the RCS, and the RCA displayed typical features. This anomaly was deemed incidental, prompting routine follow-up. It underscores the significance of integrating CCTA for a thorough assessment, offering crucial insights for patient management.

Management of anomalous origin of right coronary artery from left coronary sinus

Aberrant origin of coronary artery is a rare congenital anomaly associated with increased risk of myocardial ischemia and sudden death, with the highest risk lesions being those arising from the opposite sinus of Valsalva. We report a case with an aberrant right coronary artery arising superior to the left coronary cusp, with a slit-like ostium, having an inter-arterial and intramural course through the aortic root, that underwent repositioning of the right coronary artery. We believe such cases warrant surgical correction and reimplantation is a safe, effective and reproducible technique.

Epicardial Adipose Tissue Changes during Statin Administration in Relation to the Body Mass Index: A Longitudinal Cardiac CT Study

The epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is the visceral fat located between the myocardium and the pericardium. We aimed to perform a longitudinal evaluation of the epicardial adipose tissue using an advanced computer-assisted approach in a population of patients undergoing Cardiac CT (CCT) during statin administration, in relation to their body mass index (BMI). We retrospectively enrolled 95 patients [mean age 62 ± 10 years; 68 males (72%) and 27 females (28%)] undergoing CCT for suspected coronary artery disease during statin administration. CCT was performed at two subsequent time points. At the second CCT, EAT showed a mean density increase (−75.59 ± 7.0 HU vs. −78.18 ± 5.3 HU, p < 0.001) and a volume decrease (130 ± 54.3 cm3 vs.142.79 ± 56.9 cm3, p < 0.001). Concerning coronary artery EAT thickness, a reduction was found at the origin of the right coronary artery (13.26 ± 5.2 mm vs. 14.94 ± 5.8, p = 0.001) and interventricular artery (8.22 ± 3.7 mm vs. 9.13 ± 3.9 mm, p = 0.001). The quartile (Q) attenuation percentage (%) distribution of EAT changed at the second CCT. The EAT % distribution changed by the BMI in Q1 (p = 0.015), Q3 (p = 0.001) and Q4 (p = 0.043) at the second CCT, but the normal-BMI and overweight/obese patients showed a similar response to statin therapy in terms of quartile distribution changes. In conclusion, statins may determine significant changes in EAT quantitative and qualitative characteristics detected by CCT; the BMI influences the EAT composition, but statins determine a similar response in quartile distribution’s variation, irrespective of the BMI.

Evaluating AI-powered text-to-image generators for anatomical illustration: A comparative study.

Medical illustration, which involves the creation of visual representations of anatomy, has long been an essential tool for medical professionals and educators. The integration of AI and medical illustration has the potential to revolutionize the field of anatomy education, providing highly accurate, customizable images. The authors evaluated three AI-powered text-to-image generators in producing anatomical illustrations of the human skulls, heart, and brain. The generators were assessed for their accurate depiction of foramina, suture lines, coronary arteries, aortic and pulmonary trunk branching, gyri, sulci, and the relationship between the cerebellum and temporal lobes. None of the generators produced illustrations with comprehensive anatomical details. Foramina, such as the mental and supraorbital foramina, were frequently omitted, and suture lines were inaccurately represented. The illustrations of the heart failed to indicate proper coronary artery origins, and the branching of the aorta and pulmonary trunk was often incorrect. Brain illustrations lacked accurate gyri and sulci depiction, and the relationship between the cerebellum and temporal lobes remained unclear. Although AI generators tended toward esoteric imagery, they exhibited significant speed and cost advantages over human illustrators. However, improving their accuracy necessitates augmenting the training databases with anatomically correct images. The study emphasizes the ongoing role of human medical illustrators, especially in ensuring the provision of accurate and accessible illustrations.

Anomalous origin of the left main coronary artery from the right aortic cusp: prepulmonic and subpulmonic courses along with superdominant right coronary artery.

Anomalous origin of the left main coronary artery from the right aortic cusp: prepulmonic and subpulmonic courses along with superdominant right coronary artery.

Application of Patient-Specific Computational Fluid Dynamics in Anomalous Aortic Origin of Coronary Artery: A Systematic Review.

Anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery (AAOCA) is a rare congenital heart condition with fixed and dynamic stenotic elements, potentially causing ischemia. Invasive coronary angiography under stress is the established method for assessing hemodynamics in AAOCA, yet it is costly, technically intricate, and uncomfortable. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations offer a noninvasive alternative for patient-specific hemodynamic analysis in AAOCA. This systematic review examines the role of CFD simulations in AAOCA, encompassing patient-specific modeling, noninvasive imaging-based boundary conditions, and flow characteristics. Screening articles using AAOCA and CFD-related terms prior to February 2023 yielded 19 publications, covering 370 patients. Over the past four years, 12 (63%) publications (259 patients) employed dedicated CFD models, whereas 7 (37%) publications (111 patients) used general-purpose CFD models. Dedicated CFD models were validated for fixed stenosis but lacked dynamic component representation. General-purpose CFD models exhibited variability and limitations, with fluid-solid interaction models showing promise. Interest in CFD modeling of AAOCA has surged recently, mainly utilizing dedicated models. However, these models inadequately replicate hemodynamics, necessitating novel CFD approaches to accurately simulate pathophysiological changes in AAOCA under stress conditions.

A Case Report of Primary Angioplasty: The Triple Whammy!

Congenital anomalies involving coronary artery origin are rare, with an incidence of 0.24%–1.3%. We present a case of inferior wall ST-elevation myocardial infarction in which an emergency coronary angiogram showed occlusion of the right coronary artery. However, we were unable to cannulate the left main coronary artery during the event. Interpretation of the infarct-related artery was complicated by the right arm-left arm lead reversal in electrocardiogram, adding to the dilemma in localizing the culprit vessel, namely right versus left circumflex coronary artery-related myocardial infarction. A computed tomography coronary angiogram subsequently showed the left main coronary artery having abnormal origin from the right sinus of Valsalva with inter-arterial course and no lesions in the left circumflex.

Tolerability and efficacy of a reduced dose adenosine stress cardiac magnetic resonance protocol under general anesthesia in infants and children.

Intravenous adenosine induces pharmacological stress by causing vasodilatation and thus carries the risk of severe hypotension when combined with vasodilatory effects of anesthetic agents. This study describes our experience with a reduced dose adenosine cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol in young children under general anesthesia (GA). This is a retrospective report of all patients from birth to 18years who underwent adenosine stress cardiac MRI under GA between August 2018 and November 2022. Based on our anecdotal experience of severe adverse effects in patients receiving adenosine infusion under GA and in discussion with the pediatric anesthesia team, we developed a modified protocol starting at a dose of 110 mcg/kg/min with incremental escalation to a full dose of 140 mcg/kg/min to achieve desired hemodynamic effect. Twenty-two children (mean age 6.5years, mean weight 28kg) satisfied the inclusion criteria. The diagnoses included Kawasaki disease (7), anomalous aortic origin of left coronary artery (3), anomalous aortic origin of right coronary artery (2), coronary fistula (3), repaired d-transposition of great arteries (2), repaired anomalous left coronary artery from pulmonary artery (2), repaired truncus arteriosus with left coronary artery occlusion (1), extracardiac-Fontan with left coronary artery myocardial bridge (1), and post heart transplantation (1). Nine patients needed dose escalation beyond 110 mcg/kg/min. Two patients had transient hypotension during testing (systemic blood pressure drop > 25mmHg). No patient developed significant heart block or bronchospasm. Six patients (repeat study in one) demonstrated inducible perfusion defects (27%) on stress perfusion sequences-5 of whom had confirmed significant coronary abnormalities on angiography or direct surgical inspection. A reduced/incremental dose adenosine stress cardiac MRI protocol under GA in children is safe and feasible. This avoids severe hypotension which is both unsafe and may result in inaccurate data.

Anomalous Origin of Right Coronary Artery Originating from the Pulmonary Trunk (ARCAPA): A Rare Incidental Finding in a Patient with Chest Pain at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Rajasthan

Anomalous Origin of Right Coronary Artery Originating from the Pulmonary Trunk (ARCAPA): A Rare Incidental Finding in a Patient with Chest Pain at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Rajasthan

Clinical Outcomes in Adult Patients With an Anomalous Right Coronary Artery from the Left Sinus of Valsalva

An anomalous origin of the right coronary artery from the opposite sinus of Valsalva with an intramural course (R-ACAOS-IM) may cause sudden cardiac death in children and adolescents. However, the natural history and management of patients in whom this anomaly is detected later during adulthood remains uncertain. The goals of this study were to assess the impact of an R-ACAOS-IM on the clinical outcomes in an adult population and to determine if adult patients with this anomaly who do not have significant coronary artery disease (CAD) can be managed safely without surgical intervention. A database review identified patients aged >35 years with anomalous coronary arteries diagnosed by cardiac catheterization or coronary computed tomography angiography. The outcomes of patients with R-ACAOS-IM were compared with patients with anomalous left circumflex coronary arteries with retroaortic course (LCx-RA) (an anomaly not associated with ischemic events). The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. The study population consisted of 185 patients aged 59 ± 12 years. Clinical characteristics were similar in the R-ACAOS-IM (n=88) and LCx-RA (n=97) groups. At a follow-up of 6.6 ± 4.5years, there was no difference in mortality (hazard ratio 0.64, 95% confidence interval 0.32 to 1.28, p=0.20) when adjusted for gender, age, and CAD. A subgroup analysis of 88 patients with no obstructive CAD managed nonoperatively found no difference between the LCx and R-ACAOS-IM groups in mortality (hazard ratio 2.45, 95% confidence interval 0.45 to 13.40, p=0.30). There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in the composite outcome of death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or survived cardiac arrest. The outcome of adult patients who have anomalous R-ACAOS-IM are similar to patients who have anomalous LCx-RA with a known benign course. In conclusion, these results suggest that most patients who survive this anomaly into adulthood may be managed conservatively without intervention.

Correction to: Sensitivity and Specificity of Transthoracic Echocardiography in Diagnosing the Presence of the Anomalous Origin of Left Circumflex Coronary Artery From the Right Sinus of Valsalva in an Adult Population.

Correction to: Sensitivity and Specificity of Transthoracic Echocardiography in Diagnosing the Presence of the Anomalous Origin of Left Circumflex Coronary Artery From the Right Sinus of Valsalva in an Adult Population.

Diagnostic dilemma in the management of STEMI with anomolous coronary arteries: A case report

Coronary artery anomalies are found in 0.6%-1.55% of patients who undergo coronary angiography. The anomalous origin of the Right Coronary Artery (RCA) as a branch from the Left Anterior Descending artery (LAD) is a very rare variation of the single coronary artery anomaly.

Clinical analysis of sixty-nine children with anomalous aortic origin of the coronary artery

We aimed to analyse the clinical characteristics of children with different types of anomalous aortic origin of the coronary artery (AAOCA) at different ages, and to discuss the factors related to myocardial ischaemia. In this retrospective study, we included 69 children diagnosed with AAOCA using CT coronary angiography; we classified the participants based on the type of AAOCA, age, and high-risk anatomy. The clinical characteristics of the different AAOCA types and age groups were compared, and the correlation between manifestations and high-risk anatomy was analysed. Anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the right coronary artery sinus, anomalous origin of the right coronary artery from the left coronary artery sinus, and a coronary artery origin without coronary sinuses was found in 10 (14.5%), 57 (82.6%), 2 (2.9%) patients, respectively. There were no significant differences in sex, clinical manifestations, percentage of positive myocardial injury markers, electrocardiogram, transthoracic echocardiography, or proportion of high-risk anatomy among the groups with different AAOCA types. According to age group, the proportion of asymptomatic infants and pre-schoolers was the highest (p < 0.001). Forty-three patients (62.3%) had high-risk anatomy and were more likely to present with severe symptoms and cardiac syncope (p < 0.05). Conclusion: There were no significant differences in the proportions of high-risk anatomy and clinical characteristics among children with different AAOCA types. We found a relation between the severity of AAOCA clinical symptoms and anatomical risk.What is Known:• Clinical symptoms in children with AAOCA are varied and the results of routine cardiological examinations lack specificity.• High-risk anatomical features, exercise, cardiac symptoms, and ALCA are risk factors for the occurrence of SCD in patients with AAOCA.What is New:• Compared the clinical characteristics of different types of AAOCA and ages.• Analysed the correlation between symptoms and high-risk anatomical features.

Necrotizing plasma cell-rich aortitis and sudden cardiac death: Late sequelae of COVID-19?

The ongoing epidemic caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is characterized by a variety of pathologic processes within the syndrome of COVID-19. Usually beginning as an upper respiratory infection with potential progression to a pneumonitis, many cases of COVID-19 that show minimal signs or symptoms initially may develop adverse systemic sequelae later, such as widespread thrombo-embolic phenomena, systemic inflammatory disorders (especially in children), or vasculitis. Here, we present a patient who suffered a sudden cardiac death following persistent SARS-CoV-2 viral positivity for four-and-one-half months after a mild clinical viral course. At routine autopsy, a remarkable plasma cell-rich necrotizing aortitis was uncovered. The aortic intima displayed diffuse, circumferential ongoing chronic intimal edema, inflammation, and neo-vascularization. The plasma cell-rich inflammatory process also involved the origin of the left main coronary artery (LM) causing a coronary arteritis accompanied by subacute, stenosing intimal vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation resulting in acute myocardial necrosis as a cause of death. A similar vasculitis and plaque were noted during the routine autopsy at the ostium of the celiac artery; vasculitis was not found systemically or in smaller caliber vessels. Through a variety of techniques including extensive histopathologic and immunohistochemical characterization, immunostaining localization of viral antigen, and transmission electron microscopy we present highly suggestive evidence that this unique necrotizing, plasma cell-rich aortitis is a rare sequela of COVID-19.

Contemporary sequential segmental approach to congenital heart disease using four-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging with ferumoxytol: an illustrated editorial.

The ferumoxytol-enhanced 4D MR angiography with MUSIC (Multiphase Steady State Imaging with Contrast) technique provides a single data set that captures dynamic cardiovascular anatomy and ventricular function at the same time. Homogeneous opacification of all cardiovascular structures within the imaging volume allows full sequential segmental approach to the congenital heart diseases without any blind spots. The complex systemic and pulmonary venous anatomy is particularly well captured in the MUSIC. Cinematographic display of multiplanar sectional and 3D volume images is helpful in the morphological identification of the cardiac chambers, the assessment of the dynamic nature of the ventricular outflow tracts, and the assessment of the coronary arterial origins and courses.

Anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery: A rare congenital cardiac anomaly masquerading as dilated cardiomyopathy

ABSTRACT Anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) is a cardiac anomaly which is quite complex and very rarely diagnosed. It can, however, have serious consequences for the patient. It has been divided into two types based on the age of presentation: the infant type and the adult type with different presentations and prognoses. The infant type usually presents with congestive heart failure or sometimes as myocardial infarction. Many of these patients do not make it beyond 1st year of life. The rare adult variant of ALCAPA syndrome may manifest as recurrent chest infections in the pediatric age group, dyspnea on exertion, or sometimes, even as sudden cardiac death. We report the case of a 7-year-old girl who presented with recurrent chest infections and echocardiography (ECG) was suggestive of dilated cardiomyopathy. The definitive diagnosis of ALCAPA was reached only by ECG-gated cardiac computed tomography.

Morphological Changes of Anomalous Coronary Arteries From the Aorta During the Cardiac Cycle Assessed by IVUS in Resting Conditions.

Anomalous aortic origin of coronary artery (AAOCA) with intramural segment is associated with risk of sudden cardiac death, probably related to a compressive mechanism exerted by the aorta. However, the intramural compression occurrence and magnitude during the cardiac cycle remain unknown. We hypothesized that (1) in end diastole, the intramural segment is narrower, more elliptic, and has greater resistance than extramural segment; (2) the intramural segment experiences a further compression in systole; and (3) morphometry and its systolic changes vary within different lumen cross-sections of the intramural segment. Phasic changes of lumen cross-sectional coronary area, roundness (minimum/maximum lumen diameter), and hemodynamic resistance (Poiseuille law for noncircular sections) were derived from intravascular ultrasound pullbacks at rest for the ostial, distal intramural, and extramural segments. Data were obtained for 35 AAOCA (n=23 with intramural tract) after retrospective image-based gating and manual lumen segmentation. Differences between systolic and end-diastolic phases in each section, between sections of the same coronary, and between AAOCA with and without intramural tract were assessed by nonparametric statistical tests. In end diastole, both the ostial and distal intramural sections were more elliptical (P<0.001) than the reference extramural section and the correspondent sections in AAOCA without intramural segment. In systole, AAOCA with intramural segment showed a flattening at the ostium (-6.76% [10.82%]; P=0.024) and a flattening (-5.36% [16.56%]; P=0.011), a narrowing (-4.62% [11.38%]; P=0.020), and a resistance increase (15.61% [30.07%]; P=0.012) at the distal intramural section. No-intramural sections did not show morphological changes during the entire cardiac cycle. AAOCA with intramural segment has pathological segment-specific dynamic compression mainly in the systole under resting conditions. Studying AAOCA behavior with intravascular ultrasound during the cardiac cycle may help to evaluate and quantify the severity of the narrowing.