Variations in the length and termination of the coronary arteries among Black African population: A cadaveric study in western Kenya

Abstract

Background: The length and termination of the coronary artery is key in the perfusion of the myocardium. Procedures  like cardiac catheterization and coronary bypass done by interventional cardiologist can be severely affected by variations due to the changes in coronary arterial pressure.

Objectives: The study sought to determine these variations among black African population in Western Kenya by  assessing the variations in the length and termination of the coronary artery.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study design was used to assess the length and termination patterns of coronary  arteries in three Anatomy laboratories in Western Kenya. Out of a total of 89 cadavers,72 samples were  identified using Cochran’s formula. Data sheets were used to capture the variables while descriptive statistics was used  to calculate the frequency and percentage of the variation. Pearson’s correlation test was used to analyze the  relationship between the variables and variations while a value of P ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. All ethical  approval was issued via license number: NACOSTI /P/22/21905.

Results: The left coronary artery had the highest  variations at 31.9% in length and 92% in termination while the right coronary artery had 18.1% variations in length and  26% in termination. There was no statistical significance between the variations and gender of the study subjects.  

Conclusion: Variation in the length and termination of the left coronary artery were associated with high mortalities  especially during revascularization procedure hence the need for routine imaging and training of healthcare providers  for effective management.