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Review
. 2024 Jun 5;19(1):319.
doi: 10.1186/s13019-024-02803-x.

Aberrant left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery with patent ductus arteriosus - a case report and review of the literature

Ahmad Amer  1   2 , Hanita Shai  3   4 , Sagi Assa  3   4 , Avital Mitler  3   4 , Alona Raucher Sternfeld  3   4
Affiliations
Review

Aberrant left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery with patent ductus arteriosus - a case report and review of the literature

Ahmad Amer et al. J Cardiothorac Surg. .

Abstract

Background: Aberrant left coronary artery from pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) is a very rare congenital heart defect. Its coexistence with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is extremely rare. The high pressures created by the left-to-right shunt in the pulmonary arteries can delay symptoms and create a real challenge in diagnosing ALCAPA. Missing this diagnosis can have severe results, including extensive ischemia and sudden death.

Case presentation: We present a case of an infant born with a large PDA. Initially treated conservatively, however, due to congestive heart failure and lack of weight gain, she underwent surgical ligation of the PDA at the age of four and a half months. Following surgery, she developed pulmonary edema. Echocardiography revealed decreased ventricular function. ECG revealed ST elevations on lateral leads, and serum troponin was significantly increased. The patient underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which revealed signs of wall ischemia and decreased function of the left ventricle (LV) with unclear coronary anatomy. Diagnostic catheterization revealed an ALCAPA. She underwent surgical intervention, and the left coronary artery was re-implanted in the aortic sinus. Follow-up revealed slow improvement of cardiac function.

Discussion and literature review: The coexistence of PDA and ALCAPA is a very rare occurrence. We found at least 10 reported cases in the literature. Delayed diagnosis might be detrimental. The prognosis of these patients is variable.

Conclusion: An unusual post-surgical course following PDA repair requires a high index of suspicion and appropriate evaluation for ALCAPA, preferably with angiography.

Keywords: ALCAPA; Congenital heart disease; PDA.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Coronary echocardiographic imaging prior to surgery
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
ECG on POD 4revealing ST segment elevations
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Cardiac MRI scan T2-weighted signal- Lateral LV wall edema
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Cardiac MRI scan - Diffuse LV late gadolinium enhancement
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Pulmonary artery angiography – LMCA arising from the pulmonary artery
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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