Anatomic study of coronary artery size using 16-slice computed tomography

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the CT features of the coronary artery in normal adults and to measure the diameter of coronary artery using 16-slice computed tomography. Methods: 16-slice CT coronary angiography was performed in this study. Totally 104 cases whose coronary arteries were normal were divided into 3 groups according to age and dominant pattern of coronary artery. The diameter of right artery (RCA), including the proximal, middle and distant segments were measured by using CT, so was the diameter of left main artery (LM), left anterior descending artery (LAD) including the proximal, middle and distant segments, and left circumflex artery proximal and distant segments. Results: The diameters of coronary arteries increased with the age. There was a difference of LM diameter between the elder group and the youth group and middle group. However there was no difference in the youth group and the elder group. No difference were detected from other coronary artery segment' s diameter. The diameter of LM in left dominant pattern was the largest, and it showed a difference when compared with the other two groups, but there was no difference between the latter two groups. The diameters of LAD and LCX in left dominant pattern were the largest, and that of in right dominant pattern were the smallest. The diameter of LAD had no difference among the three groups. The diameter of LCX proximal segment had no difference between the balanced dominant pattern and right dominant pattern, but there was a difference compare to the left dominant pattern. The diameters of LCX distant segment showed differences between any two groups. The diameter of RCA in the right dominant pattern was the largest. The diameters of RCA proximal segments showed no difference between the balanced dominant pattern and left dominant pattern, and there was difference among any other groups. Conclusion: MSCT can display coronary artery from any angle and position. The diameter of coronary artery segment increases with the increase of age. Coronary artery size measured by MSCT can provide valuable information for coronary disease.