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Anomalous left coronary artery

Definition

Anomalous left coronary artery (ALCAPA) is a heart defect in which the left coronary artery (which carries blood to the heart muscle) is connected to the pulmonary artery instead of to the aorta.

ALCAPA is present at birth (congenital).


Causes

An anomalous left coronary artery is a problem that occurs when the baby's heart is developing, early in the pregnancy. The developing blood vessels in the heart do not connect correctly.

In the normal heart, the left coronary artery starts in the aorta -- the major blood vessel that takes oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body.

In children with ALCAPA, the left coronary artery starts at the pulmonary artery -- the major blood vessel that takes oxygen-poor blood from the heart to the lungs.

When the left coronary artery starts in the pulmonary artery, it carries oxygen-poor blood to the left side of the heart. When the heart does not get enough oxygen, it begins to die, a condition leading to a heart attack in the baby.

A condition known as "coronary steal" further damages the heart in babies with ALCAPA. The low blood pressure in the pulmonary artery causes blood from the abnormal left coronary artery to flow toward the pulmonary artery instead of toward the heart. This results in less blood and oxygen to the heart, which will also lead to a heart attack in a baby. Coronary steal develops over time in babies with ALCAPA if the condition is not treated early.


Symptoms

Symptoms of anomalous left coronary artery in an infant include:

  • Crying or sweating during feeding
  • Pale skin
  • Poor feeding
  • Rapid breathing
  • Sweating
  • Symptoms of pain or distress in the baby (often mistaken for colic)

Symptoms can appear within the first 2 months of the baby's life.


Treatment

Surgery is needed to correct ALCAPA. Usually only one surgery is required, depending on the baby's condition and the size of the involved blood vessels.

If the mitral valve is seriously damaged from lack of oxygen, the baby may also need surgery to repair or replace the valve. The mitral valve regulates blood flow between the chambers on the left side of the heart.

If the baby's heart is already severely damaged from lack of oxygen, a heart transplant may be an option.

Very ill babies may need treatment with medications before surgery. The medications help the baby get strong enough to have surgery.

Medications include:

  • "Water pills" (diuretics )
  • Medications that make the heart muscle pump harder (inotropic agents)
  • Medications that lower the work load on the heart (beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors)

See also: Congenital heart defect corrective surgery


Prognosis

Without treatment, most babies do not survive their first year. Those who survive without treatment are likely to have severe complications, or die suddenly during the following years.

With timely treatment, most babies do well and can expect a normal life. However, they need routine follow-ups with a heart specialist (cardiologist).