Abstract: ObjectiveTo detect the sinus node artery (SNA) in adults with dual source CT. MethodsTwo hundred and seven cases that had undergone dual source CT coronary artery angiography were included in this study. The visualized grades of SNA were accessed by two radiologists based on the length and delineation of SNA on CT images. The diameter of SNA and the length from the origin of SNA to the origin of the coronary artery were measured. The relationship of calcification on the coronary artery wall around the origin of SNA with the diameter and the visualized grade of SNA were also analyzed. ResultsThe detected ratio of left, right and bilateral types of SNA was 64.3%, 20.3% and 15.5 % respectively in a total of 239 SNA, and the best visualization of left and right SNA was 77.0% and 81.2%. The normal SNA diameter was (0.20±0.04)mm, however it was (0.18±0.03)mm when calcification occurred on the coronary artery wall around the origin of SNA(t＝2.558, P=0.011). In addition, calcification also affected the observation of SNA such as length and delineation (P＜0.05). ConclusionA good way to detect SNA is by using dual source CT, and calcification on the coronary artery may affect the blood supply of SNA.

Key words: Sinus node artery, Dual source, Tomography, XRay Computed