An anatomical investigation of the coronary ostia and its relationship to the sinotubular junction within a select South African population

ABSTRACT

The coronary ostia (CO) lie within the left and right aortic sinuses, respectively; and are bound by the sinotubular junction (STJ) superiorly. The high frequency of cardiac procedures that require catheterization has necessitated the reappraisal of the anatomy of the origin of the coronary arteries. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the CO by recording its diameter, shape, and relation to the sinotubular junction in a select South African population.The present study included the gross dissection of 50 formalin fixed, adult cadaveric hearts. The average diameter of the right coronary ostium (RCO) was 3.29mm and the left coronary ostium (LCO) was 3.87mm. With regard to the shape of the ostia, the RCO was described as circular in 52% (26/50), horizontally ellipsoid in 24% (12/50) and vertically ellipsoid in 24% (12/50) of cases. The LCO was circular in 30% (15/50), horizontally ellipsoid in 60% (30/50) and vertically ellipsoid in 10% (5/50) of cases. The RCO was located below the STJ in 88% (44/50) and at the level of the STJ in 12% (6/50) of cases. The LCO was recorded below the STJ in 64% (32/50), at the level of the STJ in 32% (16/50) and above the STJ in 4% (2/50) of cases. Multiple ostia arising from a single aortic sinus was recorded in 14% (7/50) of cases. In 2% (1/50) of cases, the RCO was located in the non-coronary sinus. In addition, the RCO arose from the left aortic sinus in 2% of cases. The results of the present study correlate with those of previous studies. Anomalous CO, although asymptomatic has been linked to myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death. It is, therefore, imperative for the clinician to be aware of variant CO anatomy, which may alert them to the predisposition of cardiac risks

RESUMEN

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