Vessel
Small cardiac vein
A variable right-sided tributary of the cardiac venous system
High-yield
A small cardiac vein is not an obligatory finding in every normal heart.
Overview
When present, the small cardiac vein collects blood from right atrial and ventricular regions and follows the right AV groove. It may receive a right marginal vein before reaching the coronary sinus. The vessel is small or absent in many hearts, with alternative drainage routes.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Variable venous tributaries of the right heart, sometimes including the right marginal vein
- Course
- Through the right AV groove toward the posterior cardiac base
- Branches
- Right atrial and right ventricular tributaries
- Supplies
- Collects blood from right-sided myocardium
- Drains to
- Usually the coronary sinus when present; other endings and absence are recognized
Clinical correlation
Variation in this vein should not be mistaken automatically for disease on imaging. Right-sided venous drainage may instead use other channels, including direct right atrial routes.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the small cardiac vein originate?
The small cardiac vein arises from the variable venous tributaries of the right heart, sometimes including the right marginal vein.
What does the small cardiac vein supply?
The small cardiac vein supplies the collects blood from right-sided myocardium.
Where does the small cardiac vein drain to?
Usually the coronary sinus when present; other endings and absence are recognized.
What are the branches of the small cardiac vein?
Branches of the small cardiac vein include the right atrial and right ventricular tributaries.