Angiographic analysis of normal coronary artery lumen diameter in a Turkish population

Objectives: Cardiovascular diseases are the cause of nearly half of deaths in Turkey. Coronary artery diameters affect the procedure and outcome of coronary by-pass operations. The aim of this study was to measure the coronary artery diameters of the individuals with normal coronary artery on angiographic images to assess to provide data for a normal Turkish population and compare the results with studies from other countries. Methods: Seventy-seven male and female individuals between 31–79 years old were used in the study. Diameters of the two coronary arteries and their branches were measured in four segments using the Image J program. Results: The mean diameters of major coronary arteries i.e. LMCA, LAD, Cx and RCA were measured as 4.43±0.76 mm, 3.48±0.53 mm, 3.11±0.67 mm and 3.45±0.50 mm, respectively. Conclusion: This study revealed that the coronary artery lumen diameters of the Turkish population were parallel with the study conducted in the Iraqi population especially. A statistically significant correlation between certain coronary artery diameters were demonstrated also found. The findings of this study will contribute to the diagnosis and the treatment methods for the patients. Keywords: coronary angiography; diameter; morphometry