ROENTGENOGRAPHIC ANATOMY OF HUMAN CORONARY ARTERIES

Abstract

Detailed information on the roentgenographic anatomy of the human coronary arterial system was worked out through study of anatomic literature, 3 dimensional vinylite corrosion casts of human coronary arteries, and cine arteriograms taken with selective injection of the right and left coronary arteries by the Sones technique. The left anterior oblique projection was found best for the right coronary artery and its branches, the left main, distal anterior descending artery, the anterior descending branches, the proximal circumflex artery, and some of the proximal circumflex branches. The right anterior oblique projection is also necessary because it is the only view that shows the proximal anterior descending and septal arteries well. It is often helpful for the midportion of the circumflex artery and its branches. The posteroanterior projection is less satisfactory and cannot be considered an adequate substitute for either oblique projection. It is sometimes helpful as a supplement and has been recently included in routine coronary arteriography.