Abstract.
Major coronary artery anomalies are extremely rare in childhood. We wanted to assess the historical and diagnostic features and the therapeutic options of three distinct types of coronary artery anomalies: abnormal origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA), coronary fistula and coronary stenosis. In a retrospective study, 33 children with these types of coronary artery disease were identified, 15 with ALCAPA, 12 with fistula and six with coronary stenosis. History, physical examination, ECG, X-ray, echocardiography, angiography, therapy and outcome were reviewed. ALCAPA showed distinct typical echocardiographic characteristics. Coronary artery fistula could be identified by a typical murmur and echocardiographic evidence of coronary dilatations. Coronary stenosis should be suspected by the clinical picture in a specific context. Conclusion: rare coronary artery anomalies can be accurately diagnosed in childhood. Timely therapy yields good prognosis.
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Wolf, D., Vercruysse, T., Suys, B. et al. Major coronary anomalies in childhood. Eur J Pediatr 161, 637–642 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-002-1081-y
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-002-1081-y