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Myocardial bridges, neither rare nor isolated-Autopsy study
G Teofilovski-Parapid1, R Jankovic2, V Kanjuh3
1Institute of Anatomy "Niko Miljanic", Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia.
Summary
Myocardial bridges, a congenital heart anomaly, were found in 13.54% of Serbian cadaver hearts. These bridges often occurred with other coronary artery anomalies, increasing cardiovascular risk.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Pathology
- Congenital Heart Anomalies
Background:
- Myocardial bridges are congenital anomalies with highly variable reported incidence.
- Previous retrospective studies suggested a low prevalence in the Serbian population, prompting further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively assess the prevalence and characteristics of myocardial bridges in the Serbian population.
- To evaluate the association of myocardial bridges with other coronary artery anomalies.
Main Methods:
- Special dissection of 96 cadaver hearts (51 male, 45 female) from adult individuals who died of natural causes.
- Examination of tunneled coronary arteries and myocardium using light microscopy.
Main Results:
- Myocardial bridges were identified in 13.54% of hearts (14 bridges in 13 individuals).
- The anomaly was slightly more common in men but not statistically significant.
- Most bridges were long and deep, located predominantly over the left anterior interventricular artery (50%).
- Atherosclerosis was present in tunneled arteries, and 30.8% of affected hearts had additional coronary artery anomalies.
Conclusions:
- Myocardial bridges are not rare in the Serbian population.
- The presence of myocardial bridges is frequently associated with other coronary artery anomalies.
- These associations may place individuals at a higher risk for cardiovascular complications.
