Anomalous left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery in a symptomatic adult: a case report

Abstract

Introduction: Anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) is a rare congenital anomaly. While only a few of those born with this anomaly survive into adulthood, it becomes an extremely rare diagnosis in adults. Case presentation: Here, the authors present a case of ALCAPA in a symptomatic adult female with angina and palpitations that was repeatedly missed on transthoracic echocardiogram. Clinical discussion: The adult type of ALCAPA is often missed due to non-specific changes in electrocardiogram, leading to reluctance for angiography. Therefore, identifying abnormal coronaries in echocardiogram is crucial. Conclusion: It is essential to consider anomalous coronary arteries as a differential diagnosis in patients with chest pain, despite their rarity. This case report highlights the role of various cardiac imaging modalities in improving the diagnostic yield of ALCAPA.