Evaluation of the coronary sinus on chest computed tomography in patients with and without pulmonary artery hypertension.
OBJECTIVE
To identify and measure the coronary sinus (CS) in patients with and without pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) using chest computed tomography (CT).


METHODS
Using a 4-channel GE LightSpeed CT scanner, nongated axial chest CT images were obtained after intravenous injection of contrast material. Catheterization of the right side of the heart was performed in patients with known or suspected PAH.


RESULTS
The CS was identified in all 60 patients (mean +/- SD, 60.5 +/- 17.5 years; 45% men) without PAH (control group) (mean +/- SD, diameter 7.05 +/- 1.90 mm). In 24 patients (9 men; average age +/- SD, 54.1 +/- 14.5 years) with known or suspected PAH (study group), pulmonary artery (PA) pressures were increased; the CS was dilated (mean +/- SD, 9.4 +/- 4. 2 mm); and its size correlated with right atrial pressure (r = 0.358, P = 0.061), mean PA pressure (r = 0.568, P = 0.005), systolic PA pressure (r = 0.375, P = 0.071), and diastolic PA (r = 0.561, P = 0.004).


CONCLUSIONS
The CS is routinely visualized and measurable on chest CT. In patients with PAH, CS dilation is associated with increased PA pressures.
Isaacs
David
D
Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego Medical Center, San Diego, CA, USA.
Hazany
Saman
S
Gamst
Anthony
A
Stark
Paul
P
Mahmud
Ehtisham
E
D003287:Contrast Media; D054326:Coronary Sinus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004108:Dilatation, Pathologic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006976:Hypertension, Pulmonary / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011651:Pulmonary Artery / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*; D014283:Triiodobenzoic Acids
D003287:Contrast Media; D014283:Triiodobenzoic Acids; C054871:ioversol