Aims: There is conflicting data regarding the prevalence and characteristics of coronary artery anomalies (CAAs). We sought to explore the prevalence and characteristics of major and minor CAAs using computed tomography coronary angiography (CCTA).
Methods and results: We prospectively studied 577 patients in sinus rhythm referred for control of stents or for screening due to the presence of multiple risk factors (53%), or due to chest pain, equivalent symptoms or inconclusive stress tests (47%). 40 and 64 slice CT scanners were used. The mean age was 61 +/- 11 years and 81% were male. We identified CAAs in 121 (21.0%) patients. Anomalous origination of a coronary artery from the opposite sinus (ACAOS) were identified in 6/577 (1%) patients. Coronary ectasia or aneurysm was present in 10/577 (1.7%) patients. One-hundred and nine intramuscular segments (MB) were found in 100/577 (17.3%) patients. Coronary hypoplasia was identified in 3/577 (0.5%) patients, all involving the RCA, and 3/577 (0.5%) patients had an absent left main coronary artery. None of the segments with ACAOS (proximal segment) or MB had atherosclerotic plaque.
Conclusions: CAAs were highly prevalent along the coronary tree and anatomical characteristics that might help stratify the risk and guide therapy of CAAs could be easily identified with CCTA.