Anomalous origin of coronary arteries from pulmonary artery in adults: a case series

Background: Anomalous origin of a coronary artery from the pulmonary trunk is a small group of rare congenital anomalies present in up to 1% of the population. These patients, in absence of an adequate collateral supply, may present with congestive heart failure secondary to ischaemia, arrhythmia, or sudden cardiac death in up to 90% of cases within the first months of life.

Case summary: We present four cases diagnosed in adulthood over 10 years in two high-volume centres. The first patient presented with dyspnoea and orthopnoea. The second with chest pain and episodes of non-sustained ventricular tachycardia. The third patient presented during her third pregnancy with chest pain, palpitations, and arrhythmia (non-sustained ventricular tachycardia). The fourth patient presented with sudden cardiac death.

Discussion: In all cases with anomalous origin of coronary arteries, it is recommendable to consider surgical correction to avoid the progression of ischaemia, congestive heart failure, arrhythmia, and sudden death.