CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE AND MAJOR CONDUCTION DISTURBANCES - A PATHOLOGIC STUDY DESIGNED TO CORRELATE VASCULAR AND CONDUCTION SYSTEM ABNORMALITIES WITH ELECTROCARDIOGRAM

A technique for correlating vascular anatomy with conduction tissue structures in the human heart has been described. This technique was used to study eight selected cases of coronary artery disease who demonstrated major conduction disturbances by ECG. 1. The following conclusions are reached: 1. There is good correlation between histologic changes in the major pathways of the conduction system and demonstrable electrocardiographic abnormalities. 2. 2. There is poor correlation between specific vascular pathology and histologic changes in the major conduction pathways, except when related to fresh vascular occlusive disease. 3. 3. The development of collateral circulation in the upper interventricular septum is the one anatomic feature which appears to govern the relationship between vascular and conduction tissue pathology. 4. 4. The broad spectrum of pathologic processes in coronary artery disease associated with major conduction disturbances is felt to account for the marked variability in the clinical setting and course of these cases. © 1969.