Sudden cardiac arrest in a patient with an anomalous left main coronary artery originating from the pulmonary artery

Abstract

Anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) is an uncommon cardiac abnormality. The clinical picture of ALCAPA may range from asymptomatic course with normal life span to sudden cardiac death. Moreover, from the standpoint of resuscitation science, it constitutes a disadvantageous anatomy for coronary perfusion pressure, generated by chest compressions, which is critical for the return of spontaneous circulation. Here, we report an ALCAPA case diagnosed after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation.