Hybrid cardiac imaging-guided optimal management of right anomalous coronary artery origin from the opposite sinus with interarterial course (R-ACAOS): a case report

BACKGROUND: Determining the optimal management of right anomalous coronary artery from the opposite sinus (R-ACAOS) with an interarterial course (IAC) in middle-aged adults remains elusive. Hybrid cardiac imaging combining non-invasive and invasive approaches to identify high-risk anatomic features, as well as functional testing to assess potential ischaemic status by dynamic compression, can guide therapeutic decisions. CASE SUMMARY: A 65-year-old female was newly diagnosed with R-ACAOS with IAC, accompanied by suspected angina and two syncope episodes. She was initially considered as non-specific chest pain based on negative treadmill test (TMT) taken 10 years earlier. An anomaly of R-ACAOS with IAC travelling between the aorta and pulmonary artery was detected by coronary computed tomography angiography with a severe stenosis at the ostium, but with little evidence of atherosclerotic plaque. Exercise test (TMT) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) results were negative. Invasive imaging revealed a luminal area stenosis of 45% at the ostial right coronary artery, and a slit-like orifice anatomical feature, with a minimal lumen area of 5.81 mm(2) at diastole determined by intravascular ultrasound. Based on hybrid cardiac imaging results and previous data from a case series, conservative management was recommended with strenuous exercise restrictions. The patient fared well during 12 months of follow-up after discharge. DISCUSSION: Hybrid cardiac imaging-guided conservative management including exercise restriction appears justifiable in such middle-aged adults with R-ACAOS accompanied by suspected angina in absence of ischaemia in stress-induced tests (TMT or SPECT), despite high-risk anatomical features of an IAC and slit-like orifice being present.