Work

ALCAPA Diagnosed in an Elderly Patient

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Anomalous left coronary artery origin arising from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) occurs in less than 0.01% of the general population, with symptoms often manifesting within the first 3 months of life. Without surgical repair, early mortality is the most common outcome. CASE SUMMARY: Here, we present the case of a 66-year-old woman who was found to have previously undiagnosed ALCAPA. Our patient did not undergo surgical management and instead became asymptomatic with medical management alone, in part owing to substantial collaterals and a dilated right coronary artery. DISCUSSION: In rare circumstances, patients with ALCAPA have been known to survive into adulthood without surgical intervention. For patients with ALCAPA presenting in adulthood, surgical intervention must be considered in the setting of symptoms, medical therapy, and surgical risk; conservative therapy may be the most appropriate approach in certain patients.

Source: JACC Case Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.jaccas.2025.105361

Authors: Thomas C. Pointer, John F. Keaney, Samuel W. Reinhardt, Tony Pastor

Institutions: Yale New Haven Hospital, Yale University, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Coronary Artery Anomalies

Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $850