Anatomy of the heart -  Interactive atlas of the human body using cross-sectional imaging

Anatomy of the heart - Interactive atlas of the human body using cross-sectional imaging

Anatomy of the heart - Interactive atlas of the human body using cross-sectional imaging

  • Antoine MICHEAU, MD , Denis HOA, MD
    • Antoine MICHEAU, MD : 2 Allée Charles Darwin, 34170 Castelnau-le-lez
    • Denis HOA, MD : 2 Allée Charles Darwin, 34170 Castelnau-le-lez
  • Publication date: Aug 8, 2008 | Last update: Mar 18, 2025
  • https://doi.org/10.37019/e-anatomy/179 ISSN 2534-5079

In this interactive anatomy atlas of the human heart, the anatomical structures are visible on a contrast material–enhanced computed tomography (CT) of the heart and coronary arteries.
Actually, CT coronary angiography with three-dimensional volume-rendered and multiplanar images displays arterial anatomy similarly to conventional angiography and is becoming a major tool for the study of coronary artery disease (CAD)

 

Cross sectional anatomy: Multi–Detector Row CT (MDCT) of the human heart

A cardiac contrast material–enhanced computed tomography (CT – 64 detectors) was performed on a healthy subject. In order to obtain nearly motion-free images, acquisition or reconstruction of data was performed during diastole (70%).
The images were reconstructed using a medium soft-tissue kernel with retrospective ECG gating with 0.75-mm-thick sections. Images were reformatted to obtain the usual planes used in cardiac imaging (Ultrasound, MRI): axial, short axis, vertical long axis, horizontal long axis.

DICOM data archived on a PACS (Picture Archiving and Communicating System) were exported as JPEG images and then post-processed with Adobe Photoshop. Features and a user-friendly interface for the study of the cardiac anatomy were developed with Adobe Animate.

Anatomical structures were labeled according to the Terminologia Anatomica.

 

Anatomy of the heart : axial slice with chambers, myocardium, pericardium, left and right coronary arteries and other structures labeled.
Anatomy of the heart : axial slice with chambers, myocardium, pericardium, left and right coronary arteries and other structures labeled.

 

Anatomy of the human heart and coronaries: how to view anatomical structures

This tool provides access to an MDCT atlas in the 4 usual planes, allowing the user to interactively discover the heart anatomy. The images are labeled, providing an important medical and anatomical tool. The quiz mode makes it possible to evaluate the user's progress.

On the menu bar the user can choose the wished groups of anatomical labels (on "Anatomical parts"):

  • Morphology – pericardium
  • Myocardium – fibrous structures
  • Left cavities
  • Right cavities
  • Valves: aortic, mitral tricuspid and pulmonary valves
  • Left coronary artery
  • Right coronary artery
  • Veins
  • Conduction system
  • ECG territories
  • Heart segmentation (Cerqueira et al. 2002 – AHA - AHC)
  • Mediastinum vessels such as aorta, pulmonary arteries and veins, superior vena cava.

 

heart-cross-sectional-anato
heart-cross-sectional-anato

 

On the left menu the user can choose one of the 4 standard planes used for cardiac imaging:

  • Axial
  • Horizontal long axis
  • Vertical long axis
  • Short axis

 

heart-ecg-territory-segment
heart-ecg-territory-segment

 

On the top of this vertical menu on the left, medical illustrations based on a 3D model and a volume rendering of the heart and the four main coronary arteries (RCA, left main artery, LAD artery, and LCX artery) help the user to understand the anatomy of the heart and great vessels on MDCT.
As the mouse cursor is moved over a particular anatomical area of the heart, the user is able to discover the links between myocardial vascular territories and electrocardiogram (ECG).

This module was designed for radiologists, cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, medical students and residents.

Anatomy of the heart : axial slice with chambers, myocardium, pericardium, left and right coronary arteries and other structures labeled.
Anatomy of the heart : axial slice with chambers, myocardium, pericardium, left and right coronary arteries and other structures labeled.
heart-cross-sectional-anato
heart
heart-ecg-territory-segment
heart

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