Variant origin of the right coronary artery from the left main coronary artery together with aortic valve stenosis: report of a rare case / Origen variante de la arteria coronaria derecha a partir de la arteria coronaria izquierda junto con estenosis de la valva aórtica: reporte de un caso raro

SUMMARY: Variations in the origin of the right coronary artery have an incidence between 0.09 % and 0.92 %. Herein, we report a rare case of a coronary artery anomaly in which the right coronary artery originates from the left main coronary artery. This variant was found during routine coronarography, combined with an artificial aortic valve. Despite their rare occurrence, some variations in the origins of the coronary arteries can be life threatening and are associated with a higher risk of sudden cardiac death. They can also pose serious technical challenges and predispose to complications during coronary angiographic procedures. Thus, knowledge of such anomalies is paramount for managing the patients correctly.

Las variaciones en el origen de la arteria coronaria derecha tienen una incidencia entre el 0,09 % y el 0,92 %. En este documento, informamos un caso raro de una anomalía de la arteria coronaria en la que la arteria coronaria derecha se originaba en la arteria coronaria izquierda. Esta variante se encontró durante una coronariografía de rutina, combinada con una válvula aórtica artificial. A pesar de su rara aparición, algunas variaciones en los orígenes de las arterias coronarias pueden poner en peligro la vida y se asocian con un mayor riesgo de muerte súbita cardíaca. También pueden plantear serios desafíos técnicos y predisponer a complicaciones durante los procedimientos angiográficos coronarios. Por tanto, el conocimiento de dichas anomalías es fundamental para el manejo correcto de los pacientes.

A Surgical Case of Anomalous Origin of the Right Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery in Early Infancy / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

Anomalous origin of the right coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ARCAPA) is a rare congenital defect, and few cases have been reported in the pediatric age group. Unlike the anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA), patients with ARCAPA are usually asymptomatic and often diagnosed incidentally. Here, we present a surgical case of a 2-month-old male who was suspected of having ARCAPA in the neonatal period. The patient was suspected of having ARCAPA due to the detection of a heart murmur and the results from an echocardiogram taken the 4th day after birth. Coronary angiography on the 37th day after birth showed the contrast flow to the pulmonary artery through the right coronary artery from the left coronary artery; thus, we diagnosed ARCAPA. Surgical intervention should be performed before the appearance of myocardial ischemia due to decreasing pulmonary artery pressure, so we performed reimplantation of the right coronary artery to the ascending aorta and patch plasty of the pulmonary artery at 2 months after birth. The patient was discharged from the hospital on the 16th day after the operation, and a 6-month postoperative coronary angiography revealed good right coronary flow and the disappearance of collaterals.

COVID-19-induced myocarditis in patient with anomalous origin of the left circumflex artery from the right coronary artery: a case report / Miocardite induzida por COVID-19 em paciente com origem anômala da artéria circunflexa esquerda da artéria coronária direita: relato de caso

Abstract The prevalence of coronary artery anomalies has been increasing due to the increasing usage of coronary angiography. There is a paucity of literature concerning management of viral-induced myocarditis in patients with anomalous coronary artery. We present a very unusual case of a 44-year-old man with anomalous origin of the left circumflex artery from the proximal ostium of the right coronary artery who was admitted for COVID-19-induced myocarditis. He presented with signs of heart failure and coronary angiography revealed the left circumflex artery with a separate ostium originating from the proximal right coronary artery. He was treated medically with Bisoprolol, Perindopril Arginine, Rivaroxaban, and Furosemide. His condition improved rapidly and he resumed regular life within 1 month. Coexistence of cardiac disease such as viral-induced myocarditis with an underlying anomalous origin of the coronary artery is challenging to spot and can lead to worse outcomes in case of misdiagnosis and inaccurate management.

Resumo A prevalência de anomalias da artéria coronária vem aumentando devido ao uso crescente da angiografia coronariana. Há uma escassez de literatura sobre o manejo da miocardite induzida por vírus no contexto de artéria coronária anômala. Apresentamos um caso incomum de um homem de 44 anos com origem anômala da artéria circunflexa esquerda do óstio proximal da artéria coronária direita admitido por miocardite induzida por COVID-19. O paciente apresentava sinais de insuficiência cardíaca, e a cineangiocoronariografia revelou artéria circunflexa esquerda de óstio separado originando-se da artéria coronária direita proximal. Ele foi tratado clinicamente com bisoprolol, perindopril arginina, rivaroxabana e furosemida. Sua condição melhorou rapidamente, e o paciente recuperou uma vida normal em 1 mês. A coexistência de doença cardíaca, como miocardite induzida por vírus com uma origem anômala subjacente da artéria coronária, é difícil de detectar e pode levar a resultados piores em caso de diagnóstico incorreto e manejo impreciso.

Hematoma disecante de esófago como diagnóstico diferencial del dolor torácico agudo / Dissecting hematoma of the esophagus as a differential diagnosis of acute chest pain

Resumen El dolor torácico es un motivo de consulta muy frecuente en el servicio de urgencias. El abordaje adecuado del paciente en el que se incluye el diligenciamiento de la historia clínica, el examen físico y la toma de paraclínicos iniciales son cruciales para determinar cuáles son los posibles diagnósticos diferenciales. A continuación, presentamos el caso de un paciente de 71 años que ingresa al servicio de urgencias por un dolor retroesternal intenso posterior al consumo de alimentos, en quien, ante la persistencia del dolor, biomarcadores cardíacos negativos y patología aórtica descartada, se realiza una endoscopia que evidencia un hematoma disecante del esófago. En general, el pronóstico es bueno, pero es de gran importancia una buena historia clínica para su sospecha.

Abstract Chest pain is a very common reason for consultation in the emergency department. An adequate approach to the patient, including medical history, physical examination and initial laboratory tests, is crucial for determining possible differential diagnoses. The following is the case of a 71-year-old patient that visited the emergency room due to severe retrosternal pain after food consumption. In view of the persistence of pain and negative cardiac biomarkers, and after ruling out aortic disease, the patient underwent an endoscopy that showed dissecting hematoma of the esophagus. The prognosis is generally favorable, but a thorough medical history is required to suspect it.

A Case of Anomalous Aortic Origin of the Right Coronary Artery Treated by Direct Coronary Reimplantation / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

Anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery is a rare congenital anomaly that can cause myocardial ischemia and ventricular arrhythmia. This disease initially manifests as cardiac arrest in half of patients. The indications and surgical strategy remain unclear, especially in patients who are asymptomatic and have poor ischemic findings. We report a surgical strategy to treat anomalous aortic origin of the right coronary artery. A 47-year-old man with a chief complaint of chest tightness was diagnosed with anomalous aortic origin of the right coronary artery, which branches from the left sinus of Valsalva and runs an inter-arterial course. Although no objective myocardial ischemia was identified with blood tests, electrocardiography, or cardiac catheterization, we suspected that the cause of the thoracic symptoms was sharp branching of the right coronary artery, which was compressed between the ascending aorta and the pulmonary artery. To reduce the risk of sudden death in the future, we performed reimplantation of the right coronary artery. Good imaging results were obtained, and the patient is currently undergoing outpatient follow up and has not experienced recurrence of chest symptoms. We conclude that our surgical strategy to treat anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery may be useful in the clinic.

Influence of right coronary artery shape on TIMI frame count and lesion distribution / Influencia de la forma de la arteria coronaria derecha en el recuento de cuadros TIMI y la distribución de la lesión

Abstract Background: The shape of the right coronary artery (RCA) may vary between individuals. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate whether the shape of RCA has any effect on TIMI frame count (TFC), TIMI flow score, and lesion distribution length in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) caused by RCA. Materials and methods: The angiograms of 163 patients who applied to our hospital with STEMI caused by the RCA were included in the study. TFC’s were calculated. Results: The patients were divided into two groups according to the geometric shape of the RCA as C (124 pts, 101 males, mean age 66.1 ± 12.3 years) or S (39 pts, 30 males, mean age 60.0 ± 10.8 years) based on the angiographic view from the left oblique position. Lesion location was significantly higher in the proximal and mid regions compared to the distal region in patients with C-RCA (p < 0.001). TFC was significantly higher in the S-RCA group (p = 0.0014). There was a statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of mean age of p = 0.003. Conclusion: Lesion frequency was significantly higher in the proximal and mid regions in patients with C-RCA. TFC’s were significantly higher in the S-RCA group. Longer S-RCA length compared to C-RCA and local shear stress characteristics may also explain these findings.

Resumen Antecedentes: La forma de la arteria coronaria derecha puede variar entre los individuos. Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar si la forma de la arteria coronaria derecha (RCA) tiene algún efecto sobre el conteo de cuadros TIMI (TFC), el puntaje de flujo TIMI y la longitud de distribución de la lesión en pacientes con infarto de miocardio con elevación del ST (STEMI) causado por RCA. Material y métodos: Se incluyeron en el estudio los angiogramas de 163 pacientes que se aplicaron a nuestro hospital con STEMI causado por la arteria coronaria derecha. Se calcularon los TFC. Resultados: Los pacientes se dividieron en dos grupos según la forma geométrica de la arteria coronaria derecha como C (124 puntos, 101 masculino, edad media 66.1 ± 12.3 años) o S (39 puntos, 30 masculino, edad media 60.0 ± 10.8 años) según vista angiográfica desde la posición oblicua izquierda. La ubicación de la lesión fue significativamente mayor en las regiones proximales y medias en comparación con la región distal en pacientes con C-RCA (p < 0.001). TFC fue significativamente mayor en el grupo S-RCA (p = 0.0014). Hubo una diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre los grupos en términos de edad media de (p = 0.003). Conclusión: La frecuencia de las lesiones fue significativamente mayor en las regiones proximales y medias en pacientes con C-RCA. Los TFC fueron significativamente más altos en el grupo S-RCA. Una mayor longitud de S-RCA en comparación con C-RCA y las características locales de tensión de corte también pueden explicar estos hallazgos.

Belching on exertion - coronary artery disease

Belching is a ubiquitous symptom in clinical practice. It could be due to gastrointestinal disease or behavioral, functional and physiological causes. It’s association with acute myocardial infarction, more frequently, with inferior myocardial infarction, has been well established. But exertional belching as a cardinal symptom of coronary artery disease is not well documented and its presence is not mentioned in any standard textbooks. It is rarely reported in the literature. Here we present a female diabetic, who presented with exertional belching as a lone complaint. She was confirmed to have significant coronary artery disease necessitating an intervention. So it may be prudent if clinicians are aware of the fact that exertional belching could be of cardiac origin and needs further evaluation and intervention.

Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography-Derived Fractional Flow Reserve in Patients with Anomalous Origin of the Right Coronary Artery from the Left Coronary Sinus

Hemodynamic Analysis on Anomalous Origin of the Right Coronary Artery from the Left Coronary Artery Sinus / 医用生物力学

Objective To analyze the hemodynamic parameters of anomalous origin of the right coronary artery from the left coronary artery sinus (AORL) based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD), so as to make an evaluation of the disease. Methods A normal right coronary artery (RCA) case and an AORL case were selected. Two models were reconstructed in Mimics software and imported into ANSYS CFX software for hemodynamics simulation. The hemodynamics of normal RCA model and AORL model were compared. Results AORL model had a smaller volume flow (9.35 cm3/s), which might lead to insufficient blood supply downstream of the RCA; the pressure at the acute corner of AORL model (13.78 kPa) was lower than normal RCA model (14.9 kPa); the wall shear stress (WSS) of AORL model (12.83 Pa) was larger than that of normal RCA model (9.74 Pa); the total deformation of AORL model was relatively large. Conclusions The entrance velocity and pressure of AORL were lower than those of normal RCA, which might lead to ischemic symptoms. The research findings are of theoretical significance for the effective evaluation of ischemia and other diseases in clinic.

Successful Primary PCI in a Patient with Acute Myocardial Infarction and Cardiogenic Shock with Super-dominant Right Coronary Artery and Absent Left Circumflex Artery

Super-dominant right coronary artery and the absent left circumflex artery is a rare congenital coronary anomaly, with only a few cases reported in the literature. Left anterior descending artery arises directly from the left anterior coronary cusp. Rare coronary anomalies are sometimes encountered during primary percutaneous interventions, which may lead to changes in the course of action. We report a case of a 38-year-old patient admitted with acute anterior wall myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock. Coronary angiography revealed super-dominant right coronary artery and absent left circumflex artery. There was thrombotic occlusion of the proximal left anterior descending artery. The patient underwent successful primary percutaneous intervention of the left anterior descending artery with a good result, was discharged after 5 days. Our case also shows the importance of taking coronary angiogram of the contralateral artery first, before taking the shoot of the infarct-related artery.

Preponderance of Inferior Wall Myocardial Infarction in Smokers with no other Cardiovascular Risk Factors

Introduction: Smoking is an independent risk factor forischemic heart disease and acute myocardial infarction.Smoking raise both heart rate and blood pressure, thusincreasing myocardial oxygen demand, moreover it alsodecreases the dimension of coronary vessel and coronaryblood flow. Inferior wall Myocardial Infarction is consequenceof disease in usually Right coronary artery, whereas anteriorwall Myocardial Infarction is usually disease in left coronaryartery. The aim of the study is to evaluate whether smokinginfluence the incidence of inferior wall MI (Right coronaryartery). Study objective was to find out whether there was anassociation between smoking and inferior wall MyocardialInfarction and an early association of atherosclerosis andischemic heart disease with smoking.Material and methods: 126 patients of ST ElevationMyocardial Infarction admitted from the outdoor patientdepartment/ emergency department/ Cardiology OPD inMMIMSR, Mullana, Ambala, considered for study. Thosewho are willing to participate and fulfilling the inclusion andexclusion criteria.Result: In our study there was a high proportion of smokerin patient with inferior wall MI than other location of MI.Smokers were prone to get myocardial infarction at a youngerage as compared to others. Mortality was higher in anteriorwall MI as compared to Inferior wall MI. Anterior wall MIpresented with more complications i.e. cardiogenic shock andarrhythmias.Conclusion: Smoking enhance the risk of inferior wall MImore than other MI. Smoking thus appear to adversely affectthe Right coronary artery to greater extent than left coronaryarterial circulation by mechanism yet to be explored. Smokingleads to ischemic heart disease at early age.

Improvement of the Ischemic Area after Surgical Treatment for Anomalous Origin of the Right Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

Anomalous origin of the right coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ARCAPA) is a rare congenital coronary anomaly. Although asymptomatic in most cases, with the anomaly only being detected incidentally, surgical correction should be considered before onset of severe myocardial ischemia in such cases. Here, we present a 70-year-old man who was referred to our department due to chest pain on effort and was given a diagnosis of ARCAPA concomitant with mild aortic stenosis. As the symptoms and the degree of aortic stenosis deteriorated during follow-up, the patient underwent direct re-implantation of the right coronary artery into the ascending aorta and aortic valve replacement. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful, and the symptoms disappeared. Postoperative myocardial perfusion scintigraphy revealed improvement of the myocardial ischemic area.

Clinical value comparison of different kinds of coronary artery bypass grafting in the treatment of patients with diffuse right coronary artery stenosis / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

Objective To investigate the effects of coronary artery bypass grafting in different bypass grafts on survival rate,angina recurrence rate and cardiac function in patients with diffuse right coronary artery disease.Methods Sixty-four patients with diffuse right coronary artery stenosis admitted to the hospital were enrolled.All patients underwent coronary artery bypass grafting and were divided into large saphenous vein group(40 cases) and internal mammary artery group(24 cases) according to the difference of graft vessels.The follow-up survival rate,bypass graft vascular/cardiac venous patency rate,angina recurrence rate,NYHA classification before and after surgery,left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),and left ventricular diastolic end diameter(LVEDD) level of both groups were compared.Results Comparison in the same group,NYHA cardiac function grading,LVEF and LVEDD levels were better than those before surgery(P ＜ 0.05).Compared with the great saphenous vein group,the difference of the venous patency/intracardiac venous patency rate and angina pectoris was better in the internal mammary artery group (P ＜ 0.05).At 1 year after operation,there was no significant difference in NYHA cardiac function grading,LVEF,LVEDD level and follow-up survival rate(P ＞0.05).Conclusion There is no significant difference in follow-up survival rate and long-term improvement of cardiac function between patients with diffuse right coronary artery stenosis undergoing coronary venous artery bypass grafting with saphenous vein and internal mammary artery bypass graft.However,the internal mammary artery is more helpful to improve the patency of the bypass graft vessel/cardiac vein and avoid the recurrence of angina pectoris.

Origin of Right Coronary Artery (RCA): A Multidetector Computed Tomography (MDCT) Coronary Angiographic (CA) Study in North India

Introduction: Several clinical and pathological scenarios like hemodynamic procedures, cardiac surgery in heart trauma and arrhythmias from coronary occlusive disease management have importance of variations in the origin of Right Coronary Artery (RCA). The RCA presents a wide spectrum of morphological expressions regarding its sites of origin, course, branches, length, size and termination. RCA usually arises from the Anterior Aortic Sinus (AAS) and traverses through the right atrio-ventricular (AV) groove. Subjects and Methods: In the present study, Computed Tomographic (CT) coronary angiograms of 50 routine subjects of different age groups who came to the Department of Radiodiagnosis, King George’s Medical University UP, Lucknow in the year 2010- 2011 with known or suspected coronary artery disease, were analyzed. Coronary angiography (CA) was performed on a 64 slice Multidetector Computed Tomographic (MDCT) scanner, using retrospective electrocardiographic (ECG) gating. The incidence of different sites of origin of RCA was assessed. Results: In the present study, RCA originated from Anterior Aortic Sinus (AAS) in 47 (94%) subjects. In 3 (6%) subjects, RCA showed anomalous origin from Left Posterior Aortic Sinus (LPAS). These three subjects were males [3(9.38%)]. In all the subjects, the course of RCA was normal except three males having origin of RCA from LPAS. In these three males, the proximal part of RCA coursed between Right Ventricular Outflow Tract (RVOT) and aorta. Conclusion: Most common site for origin of RCA was AAS. Anomalous origin of RCA was seen only from LPAS. Anomalous origin of RCA was seen only in male subjects. In all subjects having anomalous origin of RCA from LPAS, RCA coursed between pulmonary trunk and ascending aorta.

Prevalence of third coronary artery: variation or constant coronary artery? / Prevalencia de la tercera arteria coronaria: ¿variación o arteria coronaria constante?

Third coronary artery or supernumerary coronary artery is a direct branch from right aortic sinus and it supplies pulmonary conus and upper part of right ventricle. Third coronary artery is an important bridge for collateral circulation between right and left coronary system. The aim of this study was to determine the number of arteries that origin from right aortic sinus, their frequency and position. The study included 55 adult human hearts collected from Department of Anatomy. The hearts were morphologically studied by gross dissection for the prevalence and topographical anatomy of supernumerary coronary arteries. Out of 55 hearts, 26 (47.3 %) had one right coronary artery, 23 (41.8 %) had two right coronary arteries, and 6 (10.9 %) had three coronary arteries. The supernumerary arteries arises from the right aortic sinus. Right supernumerary coronary arteries may be present in about 52.7 % of the Serbian population. Interpretation of signs and symptoms of coronary occlusion should therefore consider possible contribution of this blood vessels.

La tercera arteria coronaria o arteria coronaria supernumeraria es una rama directa del seno aórtico derecho y su ministra el cono pulmonar y la parte superior del ventrículo derecho. La tercera arteria coronaria es importante para la circulación colateral entre el sistema coronario derecho e izquierdo. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar el número de arterias de origen del seno aórtico derecho, su frecuencia y posición. El estudio incluyó 55 corazones humanos adultos pertenecientes al Departamento de Anatomía. Los corazones se estudiaron morfológicamente mediante disección macroscópica para determinar la prevalencia y la anatomía topográfica de las arterias coronarias supernumerarias. De 55 corazones, 26 (47,3 %) tenían una arteria coronaria derecha, 23 (41,8 %) tenían dos arterias coronarias derechas, y 6 (10,9 %) tenían tres arterias coronarias. Las arterias supernumerarias surgen del seno aórtico derecho. Las arterias coronarias supernumerarias derechas pueden estar presentes en aproximadamente el 52,7 % de la población serbia. La interpretación de los signos y síntomas de la oclusión coronaria debería considerar la posible contribución de estos vasos sanguíneos.

A Study On Variation In The Termination Of Right And Left Coronary Arteries And Their Clinical Significance

Aim: This current study is done to throw light upon the, distribution and termination of right coronary artery andleft anterior descending branch of left coronary artery and to correlate the clinical significance of the variationsobservedMaterials and methods: 30 human hearts from the embalmed cadavers from Department of Anatomy, GreatEastern Medical School were collected during routine dissection. The heart is taken out after incising the fibrouspericardium and great vessels .The course of right and left coronary arteries were traced from the Ostia. Thespecimens were duly numbered, preserved in 5% formaldehyde solution. Photographs of each specimen weretaken by digital camera and the arterial pattern is coloured red digitally and labeled.Results: In the present study the right coronary artery terminates at crux or beyond the crux in 57%, before cruxin 23% and right border in 13%. Left anterior descending artery terminates beyond apex in the lower 1/3rd of theinter-ventricular groove in 87% and at the apex in 13%.Conclusion: Right and left coronary arteries showed significant variation in their mode of termination. Betteranatomical knowledge about the branches of coronary artery and its variation is essential for cardiologists andinterpretation of coronary angiograms by radiologist.

Anatomical Study Of Origin Of Sinoatrial Nodal Artery In Human Cadaveric Hearts

Introduction: Sinoatrial Nodal artery is an artery which supplies the sinoatrial node, the natural pacemakercenter of the heart, usually a branch of right coronary artery but also from left coronary artery in variablepercentage in different population.Aim: The aim of the study was to study the anatomical origin of sinoatrial Nodal artery , from Right coronaryartery or left coronary artery in indian human cadaversMaterials and Methods: The study was carried out on 50 formalin fixed Adult Human Cadaveric Heart of Indianpopulation obtained from department of Anatomy subharti medical college Meerut UP INDIA. Specimens withgross congenital anomalies were excluded from the study. The coronary arteries were dissected for the origin ofsinoatrial Nodal artery.Results: Out of total 50 cases studied, sinoatrial nodal artery was originating from right coronary artery in 39(78%) hearts while in remaining 11 (21.27%) hearts SA nodal artery was arising from left coronary artery. Whenit is arising from left coronary artery it is a branch of left circumflex artery rather than the main trunk.Conclusions: In present study of Indian Human cadaveric hearts SA Nodal artery is originating from right coronaryartery in maximum (78.0) percent population comparing with the previous studies done globaly. Further studiesare needed in Indian population in relation to SA Nodal Artery. Study of origin and distribution of sinoatrialnodal artery helps cardiologist and cardiac surgeons to understand the ischemic etiology of sinus node diseasesand corrective steps needed.

An Adult Surgical Case of Anomalous Origin of the Right Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

Anomalous origin of the coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ACAPA) is a rare congenital heart disease. A woman in her 60s was diagnosed as ARCAPA during examination for angina. A magnetic resonance image showed myocardial ischemia in a small area of the right coronary artery (RCA) and left anterior descending artery. Reimplantation of the RCA to the ascending aorta and patch plasty of the pulmonary artery were performed. Repositioning of the RCA orientation was necessary for relief of the kinking. The postoperative course was uneventful. She is now free from angina 15 months after surgery.

Morphologic relationship between the coronary arteries during fetal development / Relación morfológica entre las arterias coronarias durante el desarrollo fetal

SUMMARY: A detailed understanding of the coronary arteries is of paramount importance in the management of coronary arterial diseases. The arterial supply to the heart originates from right (RCA) and left (LCA) coronary arteries which form an oblique inverted crown within the atrioventricular groove. This study aimed to document the embryologic relationship between the RCA and the LCA including their lengths, diameters, branching patterns and arterial dominance in fetuses. Forty-one human fetal heart specimens with an age range of 13.13 to 26.95 weeks were dissected at the Department of Clinical Anatomy, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. The RCA arose from the right aortic sinus and was dominant in all the specimens. The LCA was classified into types according to their branching pattern. The bifurcation, trifurcation and quadrifurcation of the LCA occurred in 68.3 %, 29.3 % and 2.4 % of hearts, respectively. The mean lengths of the RCA and LCA were 0.98±0.54 mm and 1.83±0.77 mm, respectively. The mean external diameters of the RCA and LCA were 0.38±0.12 mm and 0.49±0.17 mm, respectively. There was a significant correlation between the RCA and LCA length and the fetal age which is indicative of significant changes in the coronary vasculature with fetal growth.

RESUMEN: Una comprensión detallada de las arterias coronarias es de suma importancia en el manejo de las enfermedades en estas arterias. El suministro arterial al corazón se origina de las arterias coronarias derecha (ACD) e izquierda (ACI) que forman una "corona oblicua invertida" dentro del surco atrioventricular. Este estudio tuvo por objetivo documentar la relación embriológica entre la ACD y la ACI, incluyendo sus longitudes, diámetros, patrones de ramificación y dominio arterial en fetos. Se disecaron 41 corazones de fetos humanos con un rango de edad de 13,13 a 26,95 semanas, en el Departamento de Anatomía Clínica, Universidad de Kwazulu-Natal, Durban, Sudáfrica. La ACD surgió del seno aórtico derecho y fue dominante en todos los especímenes. La ACI se clasificó en distintos tipos según su patrón de ramificación. La bifurcación, trifurcación y cuadrifurcación de la ACI ocurrieron en 68,3 %, 29,3 % y 2,4 % de los corazones, respectivamente. Las longitudes medias de la ACD y ACI fueron 0,98 ± 0,54 mm y 1,83 ± 0,77 mm, respectivamente. Los diámetros externos medios de la ACD y ACI fueron 0,38 ± 0,12 mm y 0,49 ± 0,17 mm, respectivamente. Hubo una correlación significativa entre la longitud de la ACD y la ACI y la edad fetal, que es indicativa de cambios significativos en la vasculatura coronaria con crecimiento fetal.