Determination of Coronary Artery Variations and Frequencies in the Eastern Anatolia Region by Using Multisectioned Computed Tomography

Objective: Coronary artery variations are one of the most com-\rmon anatomical changes, and its incidence is reported to be ap-\rproximately 2%. These variations are usually asymptomatic, and\rthey are detected incidentally; however, they can cause sudden\rdeath in young athletes. Although catheter angiography is used\ras the basic method for detecting coronary artery variations, cur-\rrently the popularity of non-invasive methods is increasing. The\raim of this study was to determine the frequency of coronary\rartery outflow variations in the Eastern Anatolia Region and to\rshow the detectability of these variations with the same com-\rputed tomography (CT).\rMaterials and Methods: A total of 934 cases were included in\rthe retrospective study. Coronary artery variations in these cas-\res were identified and defined.\rResults: Coronary artery exit anomaly was detected in 28 cases\r(2.99%). In the group of patients with coronary artery variation,\rthe mean age was 53 ± 9 years.\rConclusion: Although coronary artery anomalies are generally\rasymptomatic and benign; anomalies classified as malignant\rcan cause sudden deaths, especially in young athletes. Coro-\rnary CT angiography is a non-invasive, successful method that\rcan be used in the detection of coronary artery pathologies and\rvariations, especially in low-risk asymptomatic individuals.