Prevalence and distribution of the third coronary artery in Kenyans
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Date
2007Author
Olabu, B
Saidi, H
Ogeng'o, Julius A
Kirsteen, A
Type
ArticleLanguage
enMetadata
Show full item recordAbstract
A third coronary artery (TCA) has been defined as a direct branch from the right aortic sinus (RAS) that contributes
to the vascularization of the infundibulum of the right ventricle (RV). The distribution of this artery may be important in surgical procedures
and in understanding the extent and progression of acute myocardial infarction. Its reported prevalence however shows ethnic disparity.
The aim of the study was describe the prevalence and distribution of the third coronary artery in a Kenyan population. 148 cadaveric and
postmortem human adult hearts obtained from the Department of Human Anatomy, University of Nairobi, and the Chiromo and Nairobi
city mortuaries were used after an ethical approval. The hearts were studied by gross dissection for the prevalence and topographical
anatomy of the TCA. Data was coded and analyzed using SPSS. The TCA is present in 35.1% of the heart specimens. It was variably
distributed to the conducting system (23%), anterior wall of the RV (100%), interventricular septum (IVS) (51.9%) and the apex of the
heart (5.8%). The TCA, with substantial contribution to cardiac vascularization, may be present in about a third of the Kenyans. It may
constitute a significant collateral circulation to apical and septal perfusion. Interpretation of signs and symptoms of coronary occlusion
should therefore consider possible contribution of this vascular channel.
URI
http://profiles.uonbi.ac.ke/hsaidi/publications/olabu-b-saidi-h-ogengo-j-kirsteen-prevalence-and-distribution-third-coronary-arthttp://erepository.uonbi.ac.ke:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/28626
Citation
Int. J. Morphol. 2007;25(4): 851-854Publisher
University of Nairobi Department Of Human Anatomy
Collections
- Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) [10387]