Coronary Artery Anomalies and Variations Detected in Computed Tomography Angiography

INTRODUCTION: There are many methods in the diagnosis of coronary artery diseases, and the reference method is catheter angiography. Coronary computed tomography angiography (c-CTA) is more valuable in the diagnosis of coronary artery and cardiac anomalies, plaques in the coronary artery wall, aortic dissection, myocardial bridges, osteal pathologies and coronary fistulas. In this study, we investigated the diversity and frequency of coronary artery anomalies and variations in c-CTA examinations performed in our unit.
METHODS: We included 700 patients who underwent c-CTA in the study. The c-CTA images and reports of the patients were retrospectively evaluated, and the diversity and frequency of coronary artery anomalies and variations were investigated. The axial images, multiplanar reconstruction, maximum intensity projection and 3D volume rendering images were examined together and coronary artery stenosis, anomalies and variations were evaluated.
RESULTS: We detected intermediate artery in 126 patients (18%) myocardial bridging in 87 patients (12.43%). LMCA was not observed in 11 (1.6%). Single coronary artery was observed in 3 (0.43%). RCA showed an interarterial course between aorta and pulmonary artery in 1 patient (0.14%).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: C-CTA is an effective method in detecting coronary artery diseases, variations and anomalies. There are studies indicating that c-CTA is superior to catheter angiography in the diagnosis of coronary artery anomalies. Coronary artery anomalies are the uncommon category of cardiac diseases. Their incidence in the community is 1-2%. Our study supports that c-CTA is an imaging method that is used in the diagnosis of coronary artery anomalies and variations and provides detailed information.