Congenital Anomalies of the Coronary Arteries

Congenital coronary artery abnormalities represent a diagnostic challenge to the echocardiographer, a potential life-threatening problem to the patient, and a source of great anxiety to families and the public. This chapter describes the development of the normal coronary artery system, coronary artery physiology, and an echocardiography-based approach for accurate assessment. Congenital coronary artery anomalies are presented in detail, with clinical correlations, and presentation and description of imaging findings. Diagnoses are divided into anomalies of origin (from the pulmonary artery and from the aortic root), anomalies of termination (such as coronary fistulae), anomalies of epicardial course, and intrinsic anomalies (such as congenital coronary artery aneurysms) to provide a comprehensive overview of a critical topic for all those who perform congenital echocardiography.

Duke Scholars

Author Piers Christopher Andrew Barker Pediatrics, Cardiology