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 con�trast 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, diam�eter 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), l/ean 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).
Conclusion: The CS is routinely visualized and measurable on chest CT. In patients with PAH, CS dilation is associated with increased PA pressures.