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Direct Connection Between the Coronary Arteries in the Human Heart

Intercoronary Arterial Continuity

Morphological Sciences Department, Medical School, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Catalunya, Cardiac Morphology Section, Experimental Laboratory, Cardiology Department, "Sant Jordi" Cardiovascular Surgical Centre, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain

A. Jornet

Cardiac Morphology Section, Experimental Laboratory, Cardiology Department, "Sant Jordi" Cardiovascular Surgical Centre, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain

M. Petit

Cardiac Morphology Section, Experimental Laboratory, Cardiology Department, "Sant Jordi" Cardiovascular Surgical Centre, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain

Seven cases of intercoronary arterial continuity are described, which were obtained from a study of 100 human hearts in individuals with an average age (±standard deviation) of 61.09 years (±21.96). The methods used in the study were postmortem coronary angiography and dissection. In those cases in which intercoronary continuity was found, a histologic study was performed on the connecting vessel, together with the distal portions of the interconnected arteries. Of the 7 cases observed, 5 showed continuity between the anterior and posterior interventricular arteries, in the distal portion of the posterior interventricular groove. The remaining 2 cases showed continuity between the distal portions of the right coronary artery and the circumflex artery, occurring in the posterior auriculoventricular groove. In all cases, continuity was by means of a single vessel in epicardial position, with a diameter similar to that of the terminal portions of the interconnected arteries. The histologic structure of the connecting vessel had the char acteristics of a normal arterial wall, so the authors conclude, therefore, that in these cases of intercoronary continuity reported in adult hearts, there is a persistence of the type of coronary circulation observed in the fetus.

Angiology, Vol. 46, No. 3, 235-242 (1995)
DOI: 10.1177/000331979504600307


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