ORIGINS OF THE CORONARY ARTERIES AND THEIR SIGNIFICANCE

doi: 10.1590/S1807-59322010000100012 Joshi SD, Joshi SS, Athavale SA. Origins of the coronary arteries and their significance. Clinics. 2010;65:79-84. OBJECTIVE: To describe the normal and variant anatomy of the coronary artery ostia in Indian subjects. INTRODUCTION: Anomalous coronary origins may cause potentially dangerous symptoms, and even sudden death during strenuous activity. A cadaveric study in an unsuspected population provides a basis for understanding the normal variants, which may facilitate determination of the prevalence of anomalies and evaluation of the value of screening for such anomalies. METHODS: One hundred and five heart specimens were dissected. The number of ostia and their positions within the respective sinuses were observed. Vertical and circumferential deviations of the ostia were observed. The heights of the cusps and the osti