Conferences 7th Symposium on Coronary Artery Anomalies 2026

Symposium Rationale and Aim

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) in the young athlete is a rare but devastating event that often receives significant public attention. Accurate diagnosis and risk assessment remain challenging and frequently depend on the expertise of the clinical team evaluating the athlete or patient. Furthermore, clinical manifestations of coronary artery anomalies may be subtle, atypical, or entirely silent. Despite increasing recognition of anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery (AAOCA) as a leading cause of sudden cardiac death in young athletes, significant gaps remain in our understanding of how best to identify, evaluate, and manage these patients.

Coronary artery anomalies are associated with an increased risk of myocardial ischemia, arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death. However, the absolute lifetime risk remains uncertain, contributing to ongoing controversy regarding patient evaluation, surveillance, treatment, and exercise recommendations. Although anatomical features such as an intramural course and slit-like coronary ostium have been proposed as high-risk characteristics, sudden cardiac death has also been reported in patients without these findings. Consequently, definitive anatomical and clinical predictors of adverse outcomes have yet to be established. Additionally, other types of congenital and acquired coronary anomalies, such complications of previous coronary artery repair or repair of congenital heart defects that involved coronary artery manipulation, are increasingly recognized as cause of myocardial ischemia compromising long-term outcomes.

A substantial knowledge gap exists regarding the evaluation and management of coronary artery anomalies across the lifespan, from infancy through adulthood and older age. This conference seeks to address these gaps by bringing together experts in pediatric and adult congenital cardiology, cardiovascular imaging and intervention, sports cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery, genetics, and preventive cardiology.

Location

Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao Conference Center, Level 7
Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute

1250 Moursund St, Houston, TX 77030

Conference Objectives

The primary goal of this conference is to enhance knowledge and improve clinical practice related to coronary artery anomalies throughout the lifespan. Specific objectives include:

1. Describe standardized nomenclature used in the International Coronary Anomalies Collaborative (ICAAC) framework
2. Compare imaging modalities used for anatomical and physiological assessment in the evaluation of coronary anomalies 
3. Identify management strategies for R-AAOCA and L-AAOCA variants 
4. Identify high-risk anatomical features (interarterial, intraseptal, etc.) 
5. Describe contemporary surgical interventions for coronary anomalies (ostioplasty, unroofing, reimplantation, transconal techniques) 
6. Identify coronary anomaly short- and long-term complications and management strategies (e.g., myocardial scarring, arrhythmias, heart failure) 
7. Describe long-term ischemic risks associated with coronary artery anomalies complications and medical management strategies 
8. Compare evaluation strategies between isolated AAOCA and CHD-associated intramural coronaries 
9. Discuss emerging concepts in computational simulation modeling 
10. Identify recommended safe return-to-play strategies post sudden cardiac arrest based on current evidence

Expected Outcome

By the conclusion of this conference, participants will have a greater understanding of the diagnosis, risk stratification, treatment, and lifelong management of coronary artery anomalies, enabling more informed clinical decision-making and improved patient care across pediatric and adult populations.

Target Audience

Specialties - Cardiovascular Disease, Cardiovascular Imaging, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Sports Cardiology

Professions - Administrative Research Staff, Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician, Trainees

Education Methods

Lecture, Panel Discussion, Case Study, and Question and Answer

Activity Evaluation

Evaluation by questionnaire will address program content, presentation, and possible bias.

Abstract Submissions

We're excited to announce that this December, the 7^th Symposium on Coronary Artery Anomalies will accept abstracts for the first time. We invite trainees, students, and investigators with relevant projects to submit their work for consideration. This is a great opportunity to showcase your research, receive feedback from experts in the field, and connect with colleagues in the coronary artery anomalies community.

Accepted posters will be displayed for the entirety of the conference, giving authors the opportunity to present and discuss their work with attendees during breaks in the scientific sessions.

Abstracts submission deadline is Tuesday, September 30 at 5:00 PM CST. Authors will be notified of acceptance on October 12. Awards will be presented for the top three abstracts at the conclusion of the conference.

There is no fee to submit an abstract. Additional information, including submission guidelines to follow.

Hotel Accommodations

While there are many hotels near Texas Children's Hospital, a Texas Children’s preferred rate is available at the Intercontinental: Houston - Medical Center. 

(0.9 miles from the venue)

Accreditation

Texas Children’s Hospital is accredited by the Texas Medical Association to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Credit Designation

Texas Children’s Hospital designates this live activity for a maximum of 11.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)^TM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Disclosure

PLANNING COMMITTEE DISCLOSURE:

The members of the Planning Committee and others involved in the planning of this activity have reported no relevant financial relationships with any ineligible companies.

Conference Support Statement

This CME activity did not receive any financial support from ineligible company. 

Program Directors

• Silvana Molossi, MD, PhD

Associate Program Director

• Javier Brenes, MD
• Dana Reaves-O’Neal, APRN, CPNP, AC/PC

Planning Committee

• Stephen Dolgner, MD
• Lindsay Eilers, MD
• June Schellhaas, APRN, CPNP-PC

Contact

For questions, please contact us at CAAP@texaschildrens.org