Therapeutic Management of Anomalous Coronary Arteries Originating From the Opposite Sinus of Valsalva: Current Evidence, Proposed Approach, and the Unknowing

Anomalous coronary arteries originating from the opposite sinus of Valsalva (ACAOS) are a challenge because of their various anatomic and clinical presentation. Although the prevalence is low, the absolute numbers of detected ACAOS are increasing because of the growing use of noninvasive anatomical imaging for ruling out coronary artery disease. As evidence-based guidelines are lacking, treating physicians are left in uncertainty for the optimal management of such patients. The sole presence of ACAOS does not justify surgical correction, and therefore a thorough anatomic and hemodynamic assessment is warranted. Invasive and noninvasive multimodality imaging provides information to the clinical question whether the presence of ACAOS is an innocent coincidental finding, is responsible for the patient's symptoms, or even might be a risk for sudden cardiac death. Based on recent clinical data, focusing on the pathophysiology of patients with ACAOS, myocardial ischemia is dependent on both the extent of fixed and dynamic components, represented by anatomic high-risk features. These varying combinations should be considered individually in the decision making for the different therapeutic options. This state-of-the-art review focuses on the advantages and limitations of the common contemporary surgical, interventional, and medical therapy with regard to the anatomy and pathophysiology of ACAOS. Further, we propose a therapeutic management algorithm based on current evidence on multimodality invasive and noninvasive imaging findings and highlight remaining gaps of knowledge.

Automated summary

Anomalous coronary arteries originating from the opposite sinus of Valsalva (ACAOS) present challenges in terms of anatomy and clinical manifestations. The increasing use of noninvasive anatomical imaging has resulted in higher detection rates. Lack of evidence-based guidelines leaves treating physicians uncertain about optimal management. Thorough anatomical and hemodynamic assessments are necessary to determine whether ACAOS is a coincidental finding, responsible for symptoms, or a risk for sudden cardiac death. Recent clinical data suggest that myocardial ischemia depends on anatomic high-risk features, influencing treatment decisions. This review discusses the advantages and limitations of surgical, interventional, and medical therapies based on ACAOS anatomy and pathophysiology, proposing a therapeutic management algorithm.