An Unusual Presentation of Syncope in an Elderly Male Leading to a Diagnosis of an Anomalous Right Coronary Artery.

Various coronary artery anomalies have been identified in modern literature with most being benign in nature. Generally, these anomalous vessels are clinically silent due to their non-obstructive or benign course. It is vital to identify patients with malignant courses of these vessels as their initial presenting symptom might be sudden cardiac death. A 74-year-old male presented to the hospital following an episode of syncope and incontinence. Denying any symptoms of chest pain or shortness of breath, the patient did admit to having a six-month history of intermittent lightheadedness and one prior episode of syncope that was attributed to physical activity. Cardiac nuclear stress testing revealed a large reversible inferior wall defect indicating a defect with the right coronary artery. Cardiac catheterization demonstrated a history of coronary artery disease and revealed an anomalous origin of the right coronary artery. A coronary CT angiogram identified the right coronary artery as having an abnormal origin from the left sinus of Valsalva with a malignant interarterial route. The patient underwent a coronary artery bypass graft to correct the issue. There were no major postoperative complications. Treatment guidelines for patients suffering from malignant coronary artery anomalies are limited. Despite multiple surgical interventions available, data regarding conservative medical management is limited and should be of consideration in future studies.