Vieussens’ Arterial Ring Comes to the Rescue

Vieussens’ arterial ring is a persistent embryological communication between the proximal right coronary artery and the left anterior descending artery (Germing & Mugge, 2003, Clin Cardiol , 26, 9, 441). Although this vascular connection normally regresses, it remains present in approximately 48% of individuals. In rare circumstances, Vieussens’ arterial ring may function as an important collateral channel (Hansen & Merchant, 2006, Circulation , 114, 16, e545-e546). We report two cases in which complete ostial occlusion of the left anterior descending artery was effectively compensated by the Vieussens’ arterial ring, thereby preventing the occurrence of myocardial infarction.