Evaluation of right coronary anomalous origin with mulpi-slice spiral CT

Objective: To evaluate the role of 16-slice spiral computed tomography angiography (MSCTA) to identify the anomalous origin and anatomic course of the right coronary artery (RCA) with conventional X-ray coronary angiography (CAG) serving as standard of reference. Methods: MSCTA data in 8 patients with anomalous RCA were retrospectively analyzed for the study, 7 of them had also undergone CAG examinations. MSCTA and CAG images were analyzed in blinded fashion for accuracy of anomalous artery origin and path detection. Results were compared in a secondary consensus evaluation. Virtual endoscopy (VE) was used to evaluate the orifice of the anomalous arteries and its relationship with the adjacent ostia of normal arteries. Multi-planar reconstruction (MPR), curved MPR, thin-slab maximum intensity projection (MIP), volume rendering (VR) or slab VR (cut-plane VR) were used to assess the aberrant path of the RCA and its relationship with the adjacent large vessels. At least two views of the RCA were analyzed on CAG. Results: The anomalous RCA for all 8 patients were correctly displayed on MSCTA. RCA originated from the left sinus of Valsalva in 6 patients, one RCA from the end of left main coronary artery, another RCA arose from the posterior sinus of Valsalva. The anomalous ostia showed no stenosis. All of them passed between the aortic root and the pulmonary artery. For 7 patients with CAG alone correct identification of the abnormality was achieved in only 71%. Conclusion: MSCTA was superior to show the anomalous orifice and path of the RCA, it should be considered as a prime non-invasive imaging tool for suspected coronary anomalies. (authors)