Misdiagnosis of anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery by echocardiography: Single-center experience from China.

OBJECTIVES

To identify the risk factors causing misdiagnosis by echocardiography and missed diagnosis of anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Echocardiographic results of 16 patients with ALCAPA confirmed by surgery in Union Hospital, Wuhan, were analyzed retrospectively. The influencing factors leading to echocardiographic misdiagnosis were analyzed from the aspects of confusing image characteristics, special pathological anatomy of the left coronary artery (LCA), and operators' working years.

RESULTS

Echocardiography diagnosed 11 cases with an accuracy rate of 68.8%. Five cases were misdiagnosed, three cases as endocardial fibroelastosis, one case as mitral prolapse with severe insufficiency, and one case as coronary-pulmonary artery fistula. Display rate of the specific echocardiographic features for confirmed group and misdiagnosed group was statistically significantly different（P = .014）. But the working years of the operator for confirmed group and misdiagnosed group were not statistically significantly different（P = .267）. Some special pathological anatomy and pathophysiological features could be also the cause of misdiagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Echocardiography is the first diagnostic choice of the ALCAPA in China. It is essential for the operator to have the knowledge, diagnostic awareness, and proficiency in manipulation in the accurate interpretation of echocardiography results.