European Journal of Anatomy

Official Journal of The Spanish Society of Anatomy
Cover Volume 21 - Number 2
Eur J Anat, 21 (2): 161-163 (2017)

A long sinus node artery with an unusual origin and course: A case report

Christos Nerantzis1, Sotirios Bouzianis1, Stamatios Theocharis2

1Forensic Medical Service of Athens; 75, M. Asias street, 115 27 Goudi, Athens, Greece, 2First Department of Pathology, University of Athens, Medical School, 75, M. Asias street, 115 27 Goudi, Athens, Greece

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to expand our knowledge of anatomical variations in the blood supply to the sinus node. Gross anatomical examination and postmortem angiographic evaluation and dissection were performed in 600 human hearts in the last forty years. These cases were derived from victims of various accidents. Angiographic findings of previous unreported cases revealed that the sinus node artery was originated distant from the aorta, outside of the atrioventricular sulcus, from the posterior right diagonal artery. Knowledge of this anatomical variation, although not accompanied with symptoms, is essential for the interventional cardiologists and cardiac surgeons for their medical procedures, as well as for anatomists.

Keywords: Heart â?? Coronary arteries â?? Sinus node â?? Sinus node artery â?? Right atrium

European Journal of anatomy
ISSN 2340-311X (Online)