Anomalous "benign" coronary arteries detected by multidetector computed tomography

Being usually asymptomatic, anomalous coronary arteries (ACAs) are discovered in adulthood using invasive coronary angiography (CA) performed for suspected coronary artery disease. However, if only based on CA, the correct diagnosis is not easily made. We report on the importance of integrated data obtained by using multidetector computed tomography, and perfusional myocardial scintigraphy as alternative non-invasive imaging techniques in evaluating the exact course and the functional importance of usually considered "benign" ACAs in three symptomatic subjects, and of the development of official recommendations for the practitioners in the management of such patients. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.