RadioGraphics 2012; 32:85-86
Farhood Saremi, MD, Horia Muresian, MD, PhD , Damián Sánchez- Quintana, MD
Available at http://radiographics.rsna.org/content/32/1/E1.full
Recent developments in cardiac pacing and trans-coronary vein ablations have demon-strated the increasing value of imaging of the cardiac venous system (CVS), especially computed tomographic (CT) mapping of the coronary veins. In contrast to that for coronary arteries, the literature for coronary veins is scarce. Moreover, a complete and clinically useful classification of the CVS is not as straightforward as for the coronary arteries. The CVS comprises polymorphous types of venous conduits with notable variations. Recent anatomic classification divides the cardiac veins into two main groups: tributaries of the greater CVS and tributaries of the lesser CVS, consisting of the thebesian vessels. The greater CVS is subdivided into two groups: coronary sinus and non-coronary sinus tributaries (Fig 1). Imaging information about the CVS in this review is useful for better understanding of the spatial orientation of the CVS and furthers proper use of correct nomenclature for this important system. Imaging of atrial and right ventricular veins can be difficult because of the small size of vessels; However, with proper imaging technique and careful evaluation of images, cardiac CT can show these small structures (Fig 2).The authors describe the clinical implications