Coronary artery anomaly
Encyclopedia
Coronary artery anomalies (or malformation of coronary vessels) are congenital abnormalities in the coronary anatomy of the heart
. By definition, these abnormalities are variants of anatomy occurring in less than 1% of the general population. They are often found in combination with other congenital heart defect
s. Many coronary anomalies don't cause symptoms and are recognized only at the time of autopsy
.
They can be associated with sudden death
. The real risk of death or the best way to treat these patients is not yet known. The Congenital Heart Surgeons' Society
has started a long-term ongoing study called anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery
(AAOCA) to identify the best way to treat this defect.
Heart
The heart is a myogenic muscular organ found in all animals with a circulatory system , that is responsible for pumping blood throughout the blood vessels by repeated, rhythmic contractions...
. By definition, these abnormalities are variants of anatomy occurring in less than 1% of the general population. They are often found in combination with other congenital heart defect
Congenital heart defect
A congenital heart defect is a defect in the structure of the heart and great vessels which is present at birth. Many types of heart defects exist, most of which either obstruct blood flow in the heart or vessels near it, or cause blood to flow through the heart in an abnormal pattern. Other...
s. Many coronary anomalies don't cause symptoms and are recognized only at the time of autopsy
Autopsy
An autopsy—also known as a post-mortem examination, necropsy , autopsia cadaverum, or obduction—is a highly specialized surgical procedure that consists of a thorough examination of a corpse to determine the cause and manner of death and to evaluate any disease or injury that may be present...
.
They can be associated with sudden death
Sudden death
In a sport or game, sudden death is a form of competition where play ends as soon as one competitor is ahead of the others, with that competitor becoming the winner. Sudden death is typically used as a tiebreaker when a contest is tied at the end of the normal playing time or the completion of...
. The real risk of death or the best way to treat these patients is not yet known. The Congenital Heart Surgeons' Society
Congenital Heart Surgeons' Society
Congenital Heart Surgeons' Society is a professional membership organization of heart surgeons who specialize in treating congenital heart defects...
has started a long-term ongoing study called anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery
Anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery
Anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery from the inappropriate sinus of Valsalva with an interarterial, intraconal, or intramural course is a rare heart defect associated with an increased risk of sudden death in children.-CHSS AAOCA study:...
(AAOCA) to identify the best way to treat this defect.