Imaging options for defining anomalous origin of the coronary artery from the pulmonary artery

Anomalous origin of the coronary artery from the pulmonary artery is a rare type of congenital heart disease (CHD). According to the establishment of collateral circulation and the abnormal anatomy of coronary arteries, there are several clinical types. In some clinical types, serious cardiac insufficiency can arise in the early stage of the condition, which, if not promptly treated, can endanger the patient’s life. Up to 90% of infants with an anomaly involving the left coronary artery die within the first year of life. The treatment of the disease is to restore the double coronary circulation as soon as possible by surgery after early detection by diagnostic imaging. Presently, medical imaging is the most commonly used examination method for a diagnosis of the disease. The comprehensive application of various imaging modalities is the basis for the diagnosis and follow-up of coronary artery origin from the pulmonary artery. The current review mainly summarized the common signs and application advantages of different imaging techniques in the diagnosis of anomalous origin of the coronary artery from the pulmonary artery. It also highlights existing problems and provides an important theoretical basis and practical guidance for imaging techniques about the coronary artery originating from the pulmonary artery’s diagnosis and treatment.