ABSTRACT
Objective To observe the imaging features of coronary sinus (CS) and its tributaries in Chinese by using multislice computed tomography (MSCT).Methods One hundred patients [74 men,26 women,average age (58.10?1.78)] were scanned by MSCT,3D images reconstructed and the vessels courses evaluated.Results The CS and great cardiac vein (GCV),middle cardiac vein (MCV) were visualized in all patients,as well as left posterior vein (LPV) was showed only in 82 patients.The average width of CS was (1.98?0.41),(1.08?0.06)cm,and the average area was (2.144?0.37)cm~2.The diameter of MCV was (0.49?0.04) cm and its angle with CS was (73.98?5.82)?.The GCV remained in the same axis as the CS in the left atrioventricular groove,its average diameter was (0.35?0.03)cm.The LPV's average diameter was (0.33?0.05)cm and its average angle with GCV was (74.32?7.81)?.The MCV and LPV in most of the patients drained to the CS at an angle less than 90?,and this angulation might cause technical difficulties during inserting a left ventricular pacing lead.Conclusion MSCT is a simple and feasible method to visualize the imaging features of CS and its main tributaries,and in the clinical,it can be used to evaluate patient's coronary vein system before cardiac interventional procedure such as left ventricular pacing lead implantation.