Right Coronary Artery Supply to the Heart

Anatomical Distribution of RCA Supply

• The Right Coronary Artery (RCA) primarily supplies the right atrium, right ventricle, sinoatrial node, posterior portion of the interventricular septum, and the inferior wall of the left ventricle in right-dominant circulation patterns, with the RCA supplying the posterior descending artery (PDA) and posterolateral branches in approximately 90% of people 1, 2
• The RCA gives rise to the posterior descending artery (PDA), which runs in the posterior interventricular groove and supplies septal perforator branches 1, 3
• The posterolateral segmental artery represents the distal continuation of the RCA in the posterior atrioventricular groove after the origin of the PDA in right-dominant hearts 1, 2
• Right ventricular branches arise from the RCA to supply the right ventricular wall 1, 4

Clinical Significance of RCA Supply

• The most common sites for coronary artery aneurysms include the proximal RCA, along with the proximal left anterior descending artery 5, 6

Imaging Considerations

• Multiple imaging planes and transducer positions are required for optimal visualization of all RCA segments 4, 5
• The RCA can be visualized in several echocardiographic views, including precordial short axis at the level of the aortic valve, precordial long axis, subcostal coronal projection, and apical 4-chamber views 5, 7
• Measurements of the RCA should be made from inner edge to inner edge, excluding points of branching which may have normal focal dilation 5, 6