Relation between the structural asymmetry of coronary artery branches and the angle at their origin

The relationship between the geometry of branch points on the left anterior descending coronary artery, and the morphometry of the proximal portions of the daughter vessels, was examined. The geometry at 23 branch points on 15 human hearts was derived from multiplane contrast angiograms, and the histology at 28 sites along the daughter vessels was obtained from transverse sections using computerized techniques. The angle of the branch at which the daughter originated was positively correlated with the maximum thicknesses of the intima and media, and with their circumferential asymmetry. The results suggest that large branch angles may favor eccentric intimal thickening, a morphological entity which is thought to be predisposed to lipid accumulation and atherosclerosis.

Duke Scholars

Author Morton Friedman Biomedical Engineering