Significance of the caudal left-anterior-oblique view in analyzing the left main coronary artery and its major branches.

The authors describe the value of the caudal left-anterior-oblique view in visualizing the following arteries: left main coronary, proximal circumflex, early-arising first marginal, proximal left anterior descending, first diagonal, and anomalous septal perforators from the circumflex system. The technique involves movement of the parallelogram (x-ray tube--image intensifier combination) to the left 55-65 degrees and caudal angulation of 15-20 degrees. To promote additional profiling of the left coronary system, imaging is performed after full expiration. In our series of 100 patients, this view is indispensable in determining significant pathology in the arteries of the proximal left coronary system.