[Postmortal coronarography by means of a roentgen double contrast method]

In the conventional postmortem coronary angiogram and vessels are illustrated by a "compact" filling with contrast medium. In the case of the double contrast technique, a thin film of contrast medium is brought about the inner surface of the arteries. Gas injected under controlled pressures into the vessels acts as a further control against the surrounding media. The method is suitable for a more precise illustration of the subepicardial and large intramural coronary arteries. Of particular advantage is the high transparency of the x-ray pictures and the possibility to make the coronary ostia visible. The evaluation of x-ray pictures produced at different controlled pressures permits conclusions about pressure-volume relations of defined vessel sections, which then can be analysed histologically.