Case report of valentine artery: A rare anatomical variation

M. Deepak1, S. Aravindakumar2

DrNB Cardiology resident, Kauvery hospital heart city, Trichy.

Chief Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, Department of cardiology, Kauvery hospital heart city, Trichy.

Case Presentation

A 62-year-old male patient, known type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension presented with congestive heart failure and was diagnosed to have non ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy.

He was taken for coronary angiogram which showed normal coronary with a rare anatomical variation of right coronary artery – valentine artery.

Valentine Artery

The “Valentine artery” refers to a specific anatomical variation where a branch of the right coronary artery (RCA) anastomoses with the sinus nodal artery, creating a heart-shaped appearance. This collateral circulation provides a dual blood supply to the sinoatrial (SA) node, making it more resistant to ischemia. During an angiogram, when dye is injected into the RCA, this anastomosis creates a distinct heart-shaped pattern.

The Valentine artery is not a standard coronary artery; it’s a collateral vessel that forms a communication between the posterolateral branch of the RCA and the sinus nodal artery, which typically arises from the proximal RCA.

The presence of this collateral circulation is clinically important because it can provide an alternative blood supply to the SA node, potentially protecting it from the effects of ischemia (reduced blood flow) in cases of RCA blockage or stenosis.

Reference

  • Valentine in the heart Panneerselvam Arunkumar, Ramasamy Palanimuthu Department of Cardiology, PSG Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Peelamedu, Coimbatore, India(2012)
  • Gavaliatsis IP. “Right posterior” sinus node artery. Int J Cardiol. 2000;75:301–3

Kauverian Bookshelf

Applied Medical Statistics

Journals

Kauvery Hospital
Find Doctor
Book Appointment