What is an Anomalous Coronary Artery (ACA)? An anomalous coronary artery (ACA) is a coronary artery that has an abnormality or malformation. The malformation is congenital (present at birth) and is most often related to the origin or location of the coronary artery. However, there may be other defective areas in the coronary artery. Likewise, it may affect the overall size and shape of the affected coronary artery or arteries. ACA may also occur along with other congenital heart defects. This condition may also be called Congenital Coronary Artery Anomaly (CAA). Although they are present at birth, ACAs are often not diagnosed until late adolescence or adulthood, because of the lack of symptoms or because symptoms may not be recognized as being caused by ACA. Teens or adults with unknown ACA may have an initial episode of chest pain, heart failure, or even sudden cardiac death before the condition is recognized. The term coronary artery anomaly refers to a wide range of congenital abnormalities involving the origin, course, and structure of epicardial coronary arteries. By definition, these abnormalities occur in less than 1% of the general population. Coronary artery anomalies are frequently found in association with other major congenital cardiac defects. Anatomy of the coronary arteries: The main function of the coronary arteries is to supply blood to the heart muscle. Like all other tissues in the body, the heart muscle needs oxygen-rich blood to function, and oxygen-depleted blood must be recirculated to the lungs. The coronary arteries are made up of two large branches called the right and left coronary arteries. The left coronary artery system branches into the circumflex artery and the left anterior descending artery. The two main coronary arteries are the left and right coronary arteries. The left coronary artery (LCA), which divides into the left anterior descending artery and the circumflex branch, supplies blood to the left ventricle and left atrium. The right coronary artery (RCA), which divides into the right posterior descending and acute marginal arteries, supplies blood to the right ventricle, right atrium, and sinoatrial node (cluster of cells in the right atrial wall that regulates the heart’s rhythmic rate). Additional arteries branch off the two main coronary arteries to supply the heart muscle with blood. These include the following:
- circumflex artery (Cx) – The circumflex artery branches off the left coronary artery and encircles the heart muscle. This artery supplies blood to the lateral side and back of the heart.
- left anterior descending artery (LAD) – The left anterior descending artery branches off the left coronary artery and supplies blood to the front of the left side of the heart.
Smaller branches of the coronary arteries include: acute marginal, posterior descending (PDA), obtuse marginal (OM), septal perforator, and diagonals.
Why are the coronary arteries important? Since coronary arteries deliver blood to the heart muscle, any coronary artery disorder or disease can potentially reduce the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the heart, which may lead to a heart attack or death. What causes ACA? The vast majority of congenital heart defects have no known cause. A baby’s heart begins to develop at conception, and is completely formed by eight weeks into the pregnancy. Congenital heart defects develop during this crucial first eight weeks of the baby’s development. Specific steps must take place in order for the heart to form correctly. Often, congenital heart defects are a result of one of these crucial steps not happening at the right time. ACA may be associated with other congenital heart defects, particularly Transposition of the Great Arteries, Tetralogy of Fallot, and certain forms of Pulmonary Atresia. Why is ACA a concern? ACA is of concern because there may be no indication that the condition is present until a severe event, such as chest pain, heart attack, or even sudden death occurs. A child may have remained asymptomatic (free from symptoms) throughout childhood, and be completely unaware that he or she had a problem. Individuals with ACA involved in strenuous activity or athletics may be at risk for sudden death and may need to modify their exercise routines. Between 4 percent and 15 percent of young people who experience sudden cardiac death are found to have a coronary artery anomaly. ACA is the second most common cause of sudden death in young athletes. As many as 55 percent to 93 percent of persons who were victims of sudden cardiac death had no symptoms prior to the fatal event. It is also suspected that anomalous coronary arteries may pose risk for earlier development of coronary atherosclerotic disease. What are the symptoms of ACA? The symptoms of ACA vary depending on the type of anomalous artery present. Some types have no associated symptoms and may be found later in life during diagnostic tests such as cardiac echocardiography (echo) or cardiac catheterization. Other types of ACA may cause symptoms related to decreased blood flow to the heart tissue, such as chest pain on exertion or at rest. Depending on the type of ACA, symptoms may begin in infancy, or, more commonly, they may not appear until later on in life. An infant with ACA may exhibit symptoms that may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- irritability
- poor feeding
- slowed or poor growth and development
- dyspnea (difficulty breathing)
- wheezing
- diaphoresis (sweating)
- grayish skin color in conjunction with other symptoms
- periods of pallor (pale skin)
- heart failure
An older child may complain of chest pain or dizziness and fainting during exertion. Heart failure, with symptoms of shortness of breath on exertion and fluid retention, may be the hallmark symptom if chest pain has been vague or ignored and ischemia (decreased blood flow to the heart muscle) damaged the heart muscle.
Both chest pain and heart failure symptoms serve as early warning signs in adults that the heart muscle is no longer receiving sufficient blood supply from the coronary artery circulation, which may have been adequate during infancy and childhood.
The symptoms of an anomalous coronary artery may resemble other medical conditions or heart problems. Always consult your child’s physician for a diagnosis.
Treatment for ACA: Specific treatment for anomalous coronary artery will be determined by your child’s physician based on your child’s age, overall health, and medical history. Recommendations for treatment will depend on which type of ACA is present and its effect on the child. Treatment for ACA may include:
- medications to strengthen the heart, affect the blood pressure, and/or remove extra fluid from the body (water pills). Other types of medications may also be used.
- oxygen therapy
- activity limitations
- surgical treatment
Long term outcomes:
In general, ACA does not cause symptoms and has little, if any, effect on those who have them. Individuals who have been diagnosed with ACA should follow their physician’s recommendations closely. In some cases, periodic stress tests may be recommended to assess for changes in coronary artery status. Following surgical repair of ACA, there may be some increased risk of developing early coronary artery disease. Outcomes following surgical repair may be improved by following guidelines for healthy diet and exercise. Consult your child’s physician regarding the specific outlook for your child.
Source: University of Virginia
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