Anatomic variations of the coronary arteries supplying the anterolateral aspect of the left ventricle: possible explanation for the "Unexplained" anterior aneurysm

Invest Radiol. 1982 Sep-Oct;17(5):458-62. doi: 10.1097/00004424-198209000-00004.

Abstract

Coronary arteriograms of 418 adult patients were studied to ascertain the frequency of variations in blood supply of the anterolateral free wall of the left ventricle; 92.6% had from one to three ramus medianus or diagonal branches supplying this area. Complete absence of any ramus medianus or diagonal branches was exceedingly rare (only 0.5% in this series), and when this occurs the angiographer should suspect complete occlusion of one or more such branches immediately at their origins. Failure to detect ostial occlusion of a ramus medianus or diagonal branch may be a cause of significant misinterpretation of coronary arteriograms.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aneurysm / diagnostic imaging*
  • Angiography
  • Coronary Angiography*
  • Coronary Disease / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans