Anomalous Origin of the Right Coronary Artery From the Left Coronary Cusp Presenting as a Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI)

Coronary artery anomalies are relatively uncommon in the general population with a roughly 1% incidence. Though oftentimes asymptomatic, these anomalies can be detrimental, resulting in myocardial infarction and even sudden cardiac death. Here, we present a case in which a 65-year-old male presented to the emergency room with substernal chest pain that radiated into his left arm. The patient's cardiac enzyme panel revealed a troponin of 10.14 ng/mL and a creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB) of 78.8 ng/mL. Furthermore, the patient's electrocardiogram demonstrated normal sinus rhythm with no significant changes. Upon cardiac catheterization, his right coronary artery was found to originate from the left coronary cusp. Moreover, the anomalous artery demonstrated significant stenosis in its middle portion, which was presumably causing his elevated cardiac enzymes and anginal chest pain. The patient underwent successful percutaneous coronary intervention and was discharged the following day.