Coronary anomalies

Anomalous coronary arteries are relatively common, occurring in approximately 1.3% of the general population. Most variants of anomalous coronary arteries do not cause disability and have a benign course. Surgery is warranted to alleviate symptoms. However, some anomalies, such as a left coronary artery arising from the right sinus of Valsalva and passing between the great vessels or anomalous left coronary artery arising from the pulmonary artery, are considered malignant as they have been associated with sudden cardiac death or heart failure, and in these cases, surgery is indicated. Coronary artery fistulas are abnormal communications between a coronary artery and another cardiovascular structure. They are relatively rare, and surgical or transcatheter closure may be necessary in patients with large left-to-right shunts and/or regional myocardial ischaemia.