Monroe J. Schlesinger's Radiographic Visualization of the Coronary Arteries in Postmortem Hearts and Its Clinical Applications

Abstract

was a pioneer pathologist who developed a method to radiographically visualize the coronary circulation in human hearts at autopsy. Acute and long-term animal studies by Dr. Schlesinger et al led to evidence-based conclusions in humans about many manifestations of coronary disease. Clinical syndromes such as angina pectoris and acute myocardial infarction, the beneficial role of collateral circulation, and the anatomic requisites for congestive heart failure and cardiogenic shock were all defined. Information based on the Schlesinger technique was among the first pathophysiologic incentives to salvage jeopardized ischemic myocardium, and evidence derived from his studies influenced the evolving foundation of modern therapy. Schlesinger's technique was to inject the right and left coronary arteries with a lead-based radiopaque agar. After constant contact with this medium for 12 years, he developed lead poisoning. He then changed the formula by substituting iodide for lead. It is of interest that present angiographic studies use iodinated contrast agents. In conclusion, Monroe Schlesinger's work in defining the coronary circulation in postmortem human hearts laid the foundation for future technical advances to analyze the coronary circulation in the living.

The humeral head: A review of the blood supply and possible link to osteonecrosis following rotator cuff repair

“…Schlesinger's (Schlesinger, 1957;Susheela et al, 2018) solution to inject into selected blood vessels around the shoulder to investigate the blood supply of the osseous, tendinous and muscular components of the RC. The authors mention that the arcuate artery branches course to the articular cartilage and to the zone of tendinous insertion (greater tubercle).…”

“…Limited studies have investigated the intraosseous blood supply of the humeral head, as it is a difficult area to infiltrate and visualize (Duparc et al, 2001 ; Hettrich et al, 2010 ; Keough et al, 2019 ; Moseley & Goldie, 1963 ). Moseley and Goldie ( 1963 ) used Schlesinger's (Schlesinger, 1957 ; Susheela et al, 2018 ) solution to inject into selected blood vessels around the shoulder to investigate the blood supply of the osseous, tendinous and muscular components of the RC. The authors mention that the arcuate artery branches course to the articular cartilage and to the zone of tendinous insertion (greater tubercle).…”