Rare origin of the sinoatrial node artery: an anatomic report and a brief review of the literature

Abstract

Several studies reported anatomical variations in the sinoatrial node artery (SANa). Here, we report a rare variation in the origin of the SANa on a human adult male cadaver. During dissection, we identified the SANa originating from a large atrial branch of the right coronary artery (RCA). This branch originates at the level of the inferior border of the heart and courses upwards. The initial part of this vessel is tortuous, and then it follows a straight path parallel to the RCA along the anterior surface of the right atrium. After this part, the artery curves posteriorly and to the left until it reaches the lower border of the right auricle, where it closely approaches the RCA. Finally, the artery runs posteriorly and to the right to follow a course along the medial wall of the right auricle and right atrium to reach a location close to the region of the junction of the superior vena cava and right atrium, where it follows its path buried in the myocardium. After perforating the myocardium, this vessel gives rise to branches that are distributed to both atria in addition to the SANa. The SANa runs to the sinoatrial node in a precaval (anterior to the superior vena cava) course. We also tried to characterize the vessels radiologically. The knowledge of the anatomical variations of the SANa is of the utmost importance for cardiologists and heart surgeons to better understand cardiac disease and accurately plan and execute cardiac interventions and surgical procedures.