Post-mortem investigation and quantification of coronary artery disease

Abstract

The controversies that exist amongst pathologists about ischaemic heart disease result in part from the widespread use of non-quantifiable techniques in examining the coronary artery tree. Such techniques are used because it is believed that there is no alternative method which does not involve an inordinate expenditure of time, money and effort. This paper describes procedures involving post-mortem coronary angiography which may be used alone or in combination with histological examination to give an immediate, accurate and permanent record of coronary artery disease or allow a far more detailed quantitative investigation of coronary vasculature.