Prevalence and characteristics of coronary artery anomalies using invasive coronary angiography in 6237 consecutive patients in a single center in Turkey

Background: Coronary artery anomalies (CAAs) include clinically and anatomically diverse types of congenital heart defects occurring in a complicated spectrum. The aim of the present study is to describe congenital anomalies of coronary arteries (CAs) and their variations, and also identify the prevalence of these anomalies in our center. Methods: The study included a total of 6237 consecutive patients. Cine-angiographies and digital data of all patients undergoing coronary angiography (CAG) were reviewed by at least 2 independent and experienced observers. The Basic Anatomic Classification method was used to classify patients with CAAs. Results: Of a total of 6237 patients, 2,313 were females (37.1%) and 3924 (62.9 %) were males. CAAs were detected in 247 out of 6237 patients (3.9%, 95% CI: 3.4–4.4). Of these patients, 48 (19.4%, 95% CI: 14.4–24.2) had absent left main coronary artery (LMCA), 21 (8.5%, 95% CI: 5–11.9) had anomalous origin from the appropriate sinus, 23 (9.3%, 95% CI: 5.7–12.9) had anomalous origin from structures other than appropriate sinus, 31 (12.6%, 95% CI: 8.5–16.6 ) had anomalous origin from the opposite sinus, 101 (40.9%, 95% CI: 34.8–46.9) had myocardial bridge, and 23 (9.3%, 95% CI: 5.7–12.9) had a coronary artery fistula. Conclusions: Our study results suggested that the total rate of coronary anomaly was found much higher than those reported in various invasive angiographic studies.