ObjectiveThis study evaluated clinical and diagnostic findings, treatment methods, and
follow-up of cases of anomalous coronary arteries from the pulmonary
artery.MethodsThe study included all cases diagnosed with anomalous coronary arteries from
the pulmonary artery between January 2012 and January 2016. Data from
patients’ demographic characteristics, electrocardiography,
echocardiography, angiographic findings, operation, intensive care unit
stay, and follow-up were evaluated.ResultsThe study included 12 patients (8 male, 4 female), 10 with anomalous left
coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) and 2 with anomalous
right coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ARCAPA). Median age at
diagnosis was 4 months (range, 1 month - 10 years old) and median weight was
5.5 kg (range, 3-30 kg). The most common complaints were murmur (n=7) and
respiratory distress (n=5). In 4 cases, the initial diagnosis was dilated
cardiomyopathy. Electrocardiographs were pathologic in all cases.
Echocardiographic examination revealed medium to severe mitral valve
regurgitation in 4 cases and reduced (< 40%) ejection fraction in 6
patients. Of the 12 patients, 8 underwent direct implantation of the left
coronary artery into the aorta, 2 underwent implantation of the right
coronary artery into the aorta, and the remaining 2 underwent a Takeuchi
procedure. There were no early mortalities. Median hospital stay was 20 days
(range, 5-35 days). Median follow-up duration was 18 months (range, 5-36
months), and no cases required further surgery during follow-up.ConclusionsAnomalous coronary arteries from the pulmonary artery can be successfully
repaired providing there is early diagnosis and effective, appropriate
intensive care unit follow-up. Therefore, coronary artery origins should be
evaluated carefully, especially in cases with dilated cardiomyopathies.