RCA
Also written as: RCA — Right Coronary Artery
The coronary artery arising from the right sinus of Valsalva, supplying the inferior wall and right ventricle.
Full Definition
The Right Coronary Artery (RCA) originates from the right coronary sinus and travels in the right atrioventricular groove, supplying the right ventricle, inferior wall of the left ventricle, and posterior septum in most patients. The RCA gives rise to acute marginal branches supplying the right ventricular free wall and typically terminates as the posterior descending artery (PDA) and posterolateral branches. In right-dominant systems (85% of patients), the RCA also supplies the inferior wall via the PDA. The RCA's anatomical course and branch pattern are critical factors in interpreting coronary angiography and planning interventions.
Usage
Usage note: Standard abbreviation in cardiac imaging; always capitalize when abbreviated.
In Context
- "The RCA was dominant, giving rise to the PDA and posterolateral branches." — Coronary angiography description
- "A drug-eluting stent was deployed in the mid-RCA lesion." — Intervention report