Anomalous aortic origin of coronary artery: For a challenging diagnosis, a transthoracic echocardiogram is recommended
Antimo Tessitore, Thomas Caiffa, Marco Bobbo, Biancamaria D’Agata Mottolese, Egidio Barbi, Daniela Chicco
Abstract
Anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery (AAOCA), especially the interarterial course of the right or left coronary artery, predisposes paediatric patients to myocardial ischaemia. This rare condition is a leading cause of sudden cardiac death. General paediatricians face challenges when diagnosing this anomaly, and they should pay particular attention to the recurrence of exercise-related syncope without prodromal symptoms, chest pain and dyspnoea. An accurate transthoracic echocardiogram with Doppler colour flow mapping is the best method to use to identify AAOCA. CONCLUSION: Identifying an AAOCA is challenging, and we provide advice on clinical red flags and diagnostic approaches for general paediatricians.