Direct connection between the coronary arteries in the human heart. Intercoronary arterial continuity.

Seven cases of intercoronary arterial continuity are described, which were obtained from a study of 100 human hearts in individuals with an average age (+/- standard deviation) of 61.09 years (+/- 21.96). The methods used in the study were postmortem coronary angiography and dissection. In those cases in which intercoronary continuity was found, a histologic study was performed on the connecting vessel, together with the distal portions of the interconnected arteries. Of the 7 cases observed, 5 showed continuity between the anterior and posterior interventricular arteries, in the distal portion of the posterior interventricular groove. The remaining 2 cases showed continuity between the distal portions of the right coronary artery and the circumflex artery, occurring in the posterior auriculoventricular groove. In all cases, continuity was by means of a single vessel in epicardial position, with a diameter similar to that of the terminal portions of the interconnected arteries. The histologic structure of the connecting vessel had the characteristics of a normal arterial wall, so the authors conclude, therefore, that in these cases of intercoronary continuity reported in adult hearts, there is a persistence of the type of coronary circulation observed in the fetus.