Primary percutaneous coronary intervention with diagnostic catheter in an anomalous origin right coronary artery—a case report

Abstract

Background: Although rare, the possibility of encountering an anomalous coronary artery is a reality. The outcome of such a procedure is greatly influenced by the awareness of the operator about the anatomical variations and the technique required. Case presentation: A 50-year-old female patient presented with chest pain. On evaluation, she was found to have an inferior wall myocardial infarction. Left coronary angiography showed non-obstructive disease in the left anterior descending (LAD) and left circumflex artery (LCX). The right coronary artery could not be hooked despite multiple attempts and catheter changes. A non-specific aortic angiogram revealed anomalous origin of the right coronary artery (RCA) above the sinotubular junction on the left side. RCA was hooked with the AL-2 diagnostic catheter, and the percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedure was completed via the same diagnostic catheter. Conclusion: In a life-threatening difficult situation like acute coronary syndrome with anomalous origin of coronary arteries, PCI can be done using a diagnostic catheter.