Triangle of Brocq and Mouchet: anatomical study in brazilian cadavers and clinical implication

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The Brocq and Mouchet’s arterio-venous triangle is a well know topographic region that is composed by the intersection of the great cardiac vein (GCV), the circumflex artery (CA) and the anterior interventricular artery (AIA) of the left coronary artery. These structures are located between conus arteriosus and left auricle, on the left side of anterior surface of the heart. Material and methods: Twenty three hearts were dissected and evaluated regarding to Brocq and Mouchet’s arterio-venous triangle at the Department of Morphology of the Fluminense Federal University. All the specimens were dissected in male human cadavers. They were analyzed regarding to their disposition in the triangle and the relations between them. Results: The triangle was found in 20 hearts (86.9%); in the remaining 3 (11.1%) it was not formed. Regarding to the classification of the triangle, the pattern of distribution was as follows “closed” in 5 (21.7%) hearts, “inferiorly open” in 9 (39.1%) hearts, “superiorly open” in 2 (8.7%) hearts and “completely opened” in 4 (17.4%). Conclusion: Our study may add important information to the anatomy of the heart specifically in brazilian population. These data may have relevant implications regarding to procedures in the heart.