The morphogenesis of abnormal coronary arteries in the congenitally malformed heart

Abstract

Arterial stems grow from the aortic root distal to the developing sinutubular junction. CENTRAL MESSAGEDuring development, coronary arterial stems grow out of the aortic root, joining a crown-like plexus, which feeds the epicardial vessels, and thence the intramural arteries.

Comment on Aortopulmonary Window and Anomalies of Coronary Arterial Origin

“…Although still a "work in progress," our findings show that, when first recognizable, the stems of the major coronary arteries originate from the developing intrapericardial aorta distal to the sinutubular junction. 6 Only with ongoing development do the arteries achieve their definitive positions within the valvar sinuses. It is entirely feasible, therefore, that persistence of the embryonic aortopulmonary foramen, resulting in a postnatal window, also disturbs the appropriate incorporation and formation of the coronary arteries.…”