Anatomy, histology, and pathology of the major epicardial coronary arteries relevant to echocardiographic imaging techniques.

We are at the threshold of a new era of coronary artery imaging with the use of transthoracic, transesophageal, and intravascular ultrasound. Echocardiographic imaging has the capability of assessing changes of the lumen and walls of major epicardial coronary arteries. This article reviews certain anatomic, histologic, and pathologic observations of the major epicardial coronary arteries relevant to these various echocardiographic imaging techniques.