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Anomalous Coronary Arteries: When to Follow-up, Risk Stratify, and Plan Intervention

  • Cardiac PET, CT, and MRI (P Schoenhagen and P-H Chen, Section Editors)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Coronary artery anomalies are a diverse group of entities, ranging from benign variations of normal anatomy to life-threatening conditions. There is, however, no universal consensus in their classification, risk stratification, and management. The aim of this review is to develop a straightforward clinical approach for the assessment and care of patients with anomalous coronary arteries.

Recent Findings

Autopsy series and population screening studies have recently provided useful clinical data on the prevalence and outcomes of coronary anomalies. Also, findings on coronary computed tomography angiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and invasive angiography, enriched with fractional flow reserve and intravascular ultrasound, have allowed identification of several high-risk features associated with specific coronary anomalies.

Summary

Management of patients with anomalous coronary arteries requires an individualized approach based on clinical, physiological, and anatomic features. High-quality studies are paramount for further development of this fascinating field.

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  1. Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil

    Eduardo Leal Adam

  2. University Hospital, University of Sao Paulo School of Medicine, Sao Paulo, Brazil

    Giuliano Generoso & Marcio Sommer Bittencourt

  3. DASA, Sao Paulo, Brazil

    Marcio Sommer Bittencourt

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Eduardo Leal Adam reports personal fees from Bayer SA. Giuliano Generoso declares no competing interests. Marcio Sommer Bittencourt reports personal fees from Bayer SA, Boston Scientific, EMS, and NovoNordisk, and grants from Sanofi.

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Adam, E.L., Generoso, G. & Bittencourt, M.S. Anomalous Coronary Arteries: When to Follow-up, Risk Stratify, and Plan Intervention. Curr Cardiol Rep 23, 102 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11886-021-01535-x

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