Sudden Death and Anomalous Origin of the Coronary Arteries from the Aorta

Based on a case report of sudden death in a young boy, this paper reviews the available information concerning the various combinations of anomalous origins of coronary arteries and associated sudden death. Left coronary arteries arising from the right sinus of Valsalva and passing between the aorta and pulmonary arteries are often associated with sudden death and myocardial ischemia in young people. Although right coronary arteries originating from the left sinus of Valsalva and passing between the aorta and pulmonary artery are less frequently associated with symptoms, this condition may be associated with sudden death. The incidence of symptoms associated with other anomalous origins is also discussed.