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Persistent primitive trigeminal artery associated with posterior communicating artery aneurysm and hypoplastic vertebral artery.

We report a patient who presented with headache due to diffuse subarachnoid hemorrhage. A four-vessel angiogram revealed a left posterior communicating artery aneurysm with fetal origin, persistent primitive trigeminal artery and hypoplastic vertebral artery on the same side. This association was considered coincidental and co-existence of a saccular aneurysm with an anatomical variation of intracranial vasculature is briefly discussed.

Female↗

The axillopectoral muscle (of Langer): report of three cases.

The axillopectoral muscle, usually called Langer's axillary arch instead of Langer's arm arch, is a supernumerary muscle and is the principal anatomic variation of the axilla. Three cases of the muscle were observed originating from latissimus dorsi crossing over the axillary neurovascular bundle and inserting deep to the insertion of pectoralis major or into the coracoid process. Clinicians should be aware of its existence as it can give rise to different pathologies. It should be recognised and excised to expose the axillary artery and vein in patients with trauma and to perform axillary lymphadenectomy or axillary bypass. It should be considered in the differential diagnosis of axillary masses or in a history of intermittent axillary vein obstruction. If the muscle causes problems its excision should be curative.

Aged↗

High duplication of the internal jugular vein: clinical incidence in the adult and surgical consequences, a report of three clinical cases.

Duplication of the internal jugular vein (IJV) is a rare malformation. Three intraoperative cases are reported. In our personal experience, the clinical incidence of the anomaly is approximately 4 per 1,000 unilateral neck dissections. The venous duplication is at a variable height, affecting the superior part of the IJV. The lateral branch of the accessory nerve (XI) always passes medially to the anterior vein and laterally to the posterior vein, between the venous duplication. This is most often unilateral but sometimes bilateral. The IJV may be normal, dilated or ectatic. The discovery of this anatomical variation has practical implications during cervical lymph node clearance, either functional or radical, during oncological surgery necessitating viewing the IJV and its affluents and the lateral branch of the accessory nerve. The embryological explanation suggests a topographical "conflict" between the development of the IJV and the lateral branch of the accessory nerve. The French version of this article is available in the form of electronic supplementary material and can be obtained by using the Springer LINK server located at http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00276-002-0020-y.

Aged↗

An MRI study of the meniscofemoral and transverse ligaments of the knee.

Our aim was to assess the anatomic localization, dimensions and incidence of the transverse and meniscofemoral ligaments, which can show anatomic variations or be mistaken for some pathologic conditions. In 100 healthy subjects (52 female, 48 male) whose ages ranged from 12 to 84 years, sagittal and coronal magnetic resonance images of the knee were obtained. There was at least one anterior or posterior meniscofemoral ligament in 82 cases. The anterior meniscofemoral ligament was present in 8 of the female and 4 of the male subjects. The posterior meniscofemoral ligament was found in 20 female and 22 male subjects. Both the anterior and posterior meniscofemoral ligaments were present in 15 female and 13 male subjects. The transverse ligament of knee was encountered in 19 female and 12 male subjects. In the females, average lengths of the anterior and posterior meniscofemoral ligaments were 9.87 +/- 4.79 mm and 25.60 +/- 5.50 mm, respectively. The corresponding values in the males were 11.11 +/- 2.57 mm and 28.80 +/- 5.49 mm, respectively. In the females, average width of the anterior and posterior meniscofemoral ligaments were 2.45 +/- 1.02 mm and 2.30 +/- 1.15 mm, respectively. The corresponding values in the males were 2.52 +/- 0.87 mm and 2.30 +/- 1.15 mm, respectively. On MRI assessment, in order to differentiate intra-articular lesions such as osteochondral and meniscal fragments or pseudotear of the lateral meniscus from the normal ligamentous anatomy of knee, the orientation and characteristic localization of the meniscofemoral ligaments should be taken into account. The French version of this article is available in the form of electronic supplementary material and can be obtained by using the Springer LINK server located at http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00276-002-0023-8.

Adolescent↗

Localization of the superior laryngeal nerve during carotid endarterectomy.

Knowledge of the topographic anatomy is essential to prevent iatrogenic damage of the superior laryngeal nerve (SLN) in carotid endarterectomy (CEA). The purpose of this study was to analyze the anatomic relationship between the SLN and carotid arteries in order to prevent iatrogenic nerve injury. Anatomic dissections similar to CEA were performed bilaterally in 50 fresh human adult cadavers. The topography of the SLN was analyzed regarding its relationship with the carotid arteries. Furthermore, the distance between the external branch of the SLN and the point of bifurcation of the common carotid artery (dCAB) was analyzed regarding effects of gender, ethnicity, individual stature and side of the neck. The SLN was always located adjacent and posterior to the carotid arteries.The dCAB ranged from 20.3 mm below the point of bifurcation of the common carotid artery to 50.9 mm above this level (average 10.3 mm above). Most dissections (75%) showed the external branch of the SLN emerging from behind the carotid artery above the arterial bifurcation; in only 10% of cases did this nerve emerge from the artery below that anatomic reference. Based on Student's t-test, there were no significant differences in the dCAB between genders ( P=0.237), ethnicities ( P=0.410) and sides of the neck ( P=0.872). Moreover, tall stature was not significantly correlated with a shorter dCAB (linear regression: R(2)=0.009, P=0.357). We conclude that most SLNs were located above the carotid artery bifurcation, but anatomic variations occurred in 25% of the dissections. The dCAB was unaffected by gender, ethnicity, individual stature and side of the neck.

Adult↗

The cubital tunnel: anatomical study of its distal part.

Different levels of ulnar nerve compression have been reported (the medial intermuscular septum, the posterior compartment of the arm, soft tissue or bony abnormalities of the cubital tunnel). In some rare cases, compression can lie in a 10-cm long tunnel, distal to Osborne's ligament, between the humeral head of the ulnar flexor muscle of wrist (FCU) and the medial epicondylar muscles. Only few publications mention this fact as a factor of residual or recurrent symptoms after common surgical procedures. However, a distal pathology of the cubital tunnel has proved to be the only factor of nerve entrapment in our clinical practice. Specific anatomical dissection of this area was carried out to find and classify the anatomical structures that may play a role in ulnar nerve distal compression. Twenty-four embalmed limbs from 13 cadavers were dissected. The purpose of this study was to find anatomical fibrous structures at an average of 10 cm from the medial epicondyle. Anatomical structures were classified into five types: no aponeurosis between the FCU and the medial epicondylar muscles (54.2% of cases), a fibrous band taut between the FCU and the fourth- and fifth-finger ulnar insertions of the flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) (8.3%), a thin (20.8%) or thick (4.2%) partial aponeurosis between the FCU and the medial epicondylar muscles, and total aponeurosis (12.5%). Anatomical variations of the distal cubital tunnel were divided in five types, but their clinical significance remains unclear.

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome↗

A rare accessory coracobrachialis muscle: a review of the literature.

During previous dissections to investigate the incidence of the third head of the biceps brachii in neonate cadavers an accessory coracobrachialis muscle was unilaterally found in a neonate male cadaver. This muscle originated from the coracoid process and the capsule of the shoulder joint. It was inserted into the antebrachial fascia and the medial epicondyle of the humerus. The coracobrachialis muscle is used as a transposition flap in deformities of infraclavicular and axillary areas and in postmastectomy reconstruction. It is also a guide to the axillary artery during surgery and anesthesia. This additional muscle may cause musculocutaneous or high median nerve paralysis. We were unable to find any similar case in the published literature. The anatomic variations of the coracobrachialis muscle may cause confusion during surgery or evaluation of CT and MRI scans.

Arm↗

The inferior laryngeal nerve: surgical and anatomic considerations. Report of 251 thyroidectomies.

This surgical anatomic study aimed to determine (1) the anatomic relation of the laryngeal inferior nerve with the inferior thyroid artery, (2) the existence of extralaryngeal branches of division of the nerve and (3) the size of the nerve seen macroscopically. Two hundred and fifty-one patients underwent thyroid surgery during a period of 30 months. There were 50 males and 201 females. The male population underwent 28 total thyroidectomies, 13 left lobectomies and 9 right lobectomies. The female population underwent 124 total thyroidectomies, 33 left lobectomies and 44 right lobectomies. On the right side: the nerve was found superficial to the artery in 70.24% of females and 51.35% of males, the nerve was divided in 23.81% of females and 21.62% of males and seemed unusually thin in 14.29% of females and 5.41% of males. On the left side: the nerve was found superficial to the artery in 87.26% of females and 95.12% of males, the nerve was divided in 15.29% of females and 14.63% of males and seemed unusually thin in 10.83% of females and 2.44% of males. In conclusion, the inferior laryngeal nerve is characterized by its important anatomic variations, especially on the right side. These variations might be different even between males and females. Knowledge of these variations is very important in order to best identify and preserve the inferior laryngeal nerve during thyroid surgery.

Arteries↗

Anatomical bases for minimizing sensory disturbance after arthroscopically-assisted anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using medial hamstring tendons.

The aim of this study was to improve surgical techniques for arthroscopically-assisted anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with minimal sensory disturbance in the infrapatellar and anterior lower leg regions. Thirteen patients with sensory disturbance were examined neurologically, and 51 lower limbs of 26 adult cadavers were examined anatomically to investigate the nerve branches supplying the regions. The region of sensory disturbance was supplied by branches of the medial femoral cutaneous nerve and the saphenous nerve, and the nerves showed a complementary distribution area. After detailed investigation of the positional relationships between the nerve branches and the skin incisions of the operative procedure, it was found that at least one branch of both nerves ran across the longitudinal skin incision (80%) for tendon harvest in the above-mentioned reconstruction. The complicated anatomic variations of the nerve branches preclude their absolute avoidance in any surgical incision, and a completely safe zone could not be found in the present study. However, an oblique incision for the tendon harvest rather than the typical longitudinal incision should be considered to minimize the sensory disturbance.

Adolescent↗

Presence and course of the incisive canal in the human mandibular interforaminal region: two-dimensional imaging versus anatomical observations.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the presence and course of the incisive canal in the mental interforaminal region of the human mandible and to describe the occurrence of anatomical variations. Mandibles of 50 adult human cadavers were retrieved from the Department of Anatomy of the Faculty of Medicine, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (Leuven, Belgium). Forty mandibles were edentulous, while 10 mandibles were partially dentate. Intra-oral, panoramic and tomographic imaging of the interforaminal region of the human mandible were performed. Afterwards, mandibles were sawn into vertical sections according to the respective tomographic cross-sections. The latter allowed exploration for the presence and course of an anterior prolongation of the mandibular canal. Measurements of the location of the incisive canal towards the base of the mandible were made using a digital-sliding caliper. Results indicated a well-defined incisive canal [mean (SD) inner diameter 1.8 (0.5 mm)], macroscopically observed in 96% of mandibles. The incisive canal was located on average 9.7 mm (SD 1.8 mm) from the lower cortical border and continued towards the incisor region in a slightly downward direction, with a mean (SD) distance to the lower cortical border of 7.2 (2.1) mm. It was concluded that there is an anterior intraosseous extension of the mandibular canal, denoted as the incisive canal. The latter might be considered as a true anterior extension of the neurovascular bundle. Histological and neurophysiological studies are needed to verify this hypothesis and evaluate its potential clinical implications.

Adult↗

Two rare anomalies of the left renal vein.

Two uncommon anatomical variations of the left renal vein were found on dissected specimens: a circumaortic venous ring and a retro-aortic bifid left renal vein. The first anomaly results from a persistence of the embryonic renal venous collar. The second one would be related to a particular pattern of left inferior vena cava. Both abnormalities have to be known for they may be undetected or be misleading in imaging. Other clinical implications are also considered.

Aged↗

Appearance of the mandibular incisive canal on panoramic radiographs.

Panoramic radiographs are routinely used in the dental office for various diagnostic purposes. This study aimed to evaluate the visibility of neurovascular structures in the mandibular interforaminal region on such radiographs. Panoramic radiographs were obtained with a Cranex Tome (Soredex) from 545 consecutive patients using a standard exposure and positioning protocol. For visibility scoring of neurovascular structures, a four-point rating scale was used. The mandibular canal and the mental foramen could be observed in the majority of the cases with good visibility. The lingual foramen was visualized in 71% of the cases, with good visibility in 12%. An incisive canal was identified in 15% of the images, with good visibility in only 1%. An anatomical variation to be considered is the anterior looping of the mental nerve (in 11% of images). Panoramic radiographs can be used for visualization of the mental foramen and a potential anterior looping but not for locating the mandibular incisive canal. To verify its existence for preoperative planning purposes, cross-sectional imaging modalities (HR-CT or spiral tomography) should be preferred.

Adult↗

Superior approach to the inferior laryngeal nerve in thyroid surgery: anatomy, surgical technique and indications.

GOALS OF THE STUDY: To describe the anatomical bases of the surgical access to the higher part of the thyroid lobe, with first location of the inferior laryngeal nerve at its laryngeal penetration, to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this surgical technique and to determine the operational indications. POPULATION AND METHOD: A prospective study of surgical anatomy performed over a period of 18 months was conducted. A total of 25 (22 women and 3 men) patients with cervicothoracic goitre underwent total thyroidectomy. Thyroid lobectomies were performed using the technique of "capsular thyroidectomy", with first location and complete dissection of the inferior laryngeal nerve. A neurostimulator was systematically used for the location of the inferior laryngeal nerve and also the external laryngeal nerve. RESULTS: The first detection of the inferior laryngeal nerve at the top of the thyroid lobe was positive in 49/50 cases. A superior parathyroid gland was found in 75% of cases and an inferior parathyroid gland in 37.5% of cases. The external laryngeal nerve was stimulated and respected in 12,5% of cases. No voice trouble, no laryngeal palsy and no definitive hypoparathyroidism occurred after surgery. CONCLUSION: Safeguarding of the inferior laryngeal nerve is the principal and obligatory stake in thyroid surgery. Locating the inferior laryngeal nerve at the level of its laryngeal penetration at the superior pole of the thyroid region is necessary in cases of particular situations: huge cervicothoracic goitres, re-operative procedures and various anatomical variations. The use of a neurostimulator secures this technique.

Adult↗

Pterygospinous bar and foramina in Indian skulls: incidence and phylogenetic significance.

Incomplete or complete ossification of the pterygospinous ligament is uncommon. Entrapment of mandibular nerve and its branches was reported due to this anatomical variation, when found. The aim of the present study is to investigate the incidence of the pterygospinous bony bridges in Indian dry skulls. A total of 416 adult dry skulls of Indian origin were studied. In 9.61% of the samples the pterygospinous bony bars were found, out of which 5.76% was complete and 3.84% was incomplete. Such variations are of clinical significance while dealing with mandibular nerve and its branches and various clinical symptoms related to it.

Adult↗

Anatomical comparative study of two vascularized bone grafts for the wrist.

Atrophic scaphoid non-union and lunate necrosis can be treated with vascularized bone grafting; through a posterior approach as described by Zaidemberg, based on a supraretinacular artery, or through an anterior approach, based on the volar carpal artery, according to Kuhlmann's procedure. The aim of our study was to determine the area covered by each of these two grafts and their respective future applications. Fifteen hands from eight adult human cadavers, free of any scar, were dissected after injection of colored fluid latex, through dorso-radial approach for Zaidemberg's graft and through volar approach for Kuhlmann's. We observed the morphological parameters of the pedicles and the arc of rotation of each flap. The volar vascularized graft had a constant origin and it could be transferred to the scaphoid, the lunate and the scapholunate joint. The posterior graft of Zaidemberg was technically more difficult to harvest because of the anatomical variations. It made it possible to reach the scaphoid, the trapezium and the scaphotrapeziotrapezoid joint line. Both these two vascularized bone grafts represent interesting procedures for treatment of scaphoid non-union or lunate necrosis, or intracarpal bones arthrodesis. They bring various possibilities of bone covering, related to specific area of mobilization and are not opposite procedures, but have different targeted indications. One must better define the respective places of the vascularized bone grafts, compared with the traditional free (non-vascularized) graft.

Adult↗

Gastrocolic vein. Definition and report of two cases of avulsion.

The gastrocolic v. or Henle's gastrocolic trunk was described in 1868 [9]. We suggest defining this vein as the confluence of the right gastroepiploic and right upper colic vv. We report two original cases of avulsion of the gastrocolic v. occurring during a blunt abdominal trauma. The aim of this paper is a description, based on the literature, of the anatomy of the gastrocolic v. in order to precise the lesional mechanism. The gastrocolic v. is present in 70% of individuals. It is short (less than 25 mm) but of major calibre (3 to 10 mm). The gastrocolic v. is situated close beneath the root of the transverse mesocolon, and travels along the anterior surface of the head of the pancreas. Anatomic variations are detailed and a meta-analysis of interpretable studies was made. Both the supra- and infra-mesocolic surgical approaches are described. The radiologic and surgical importance of the gastrocolic v. is discussed. The lesional mechanism in both our cases of injury of the gastrocolic v. is explained.

Abdominal Injuries↗

Urachal cyst associated with a suprapubic sinus.

Urachal anomalies are frequent and may exhibit many anatomical variations. We report a case of a urachal cyst that had a sinus tract extending to the lower abdomen just above the pubic symphysis. Histologic examination of the specimens showed a squamous-epithelium-lined sinus tract and a columnar-epithelium-lined cyst, which suggested a developmental disorder. This may be an extremely rare case where the urachal cyst opened into the suprapubic sinus.

Child, Preschool↗

Three-slice computerized tomography for the diagnosis and follow-up of rhinosinusitis.

Plain sinus radiography is the imaging technique most frequently used to investigate suspected rhinosinusitis, but it has low diagnostic sensitivity. Contiguous paranasal computerized tomography (CT) gives detailed information about the pathology, anatomy and anatomical variations of the paranasal sinuses, but this method also has limitations. The cost of using this technique for all cases of suspected rhinosinusitis is prohibitive, and complete CT scans involve considerable radiation exposure. The aim of this study was to devise a CT protocol for diagnosing and following rhinosinusitis that is more economical and involves much less radiation exposure than contiguous CT. In this retrospective study, three physicians independently reviewed the contiguous coronal paranasal CT studies of 136 patients. The study population comprised the adult patients who were investigated for suspected chronic rhinosinusitis. All scans had been obtained at the second visit, after the patient had completed a 3-week course of medical treatment. For each case, the same three slices were selected to form the "three-slice CT" exam, and the same physicians independently evaluated this set. Using the results from the contiguous set as the gold standard, we calculated the sensitivity and specificity of three-slice CT for identifying rhinosinusitis. The sensitivity and specificity of three-slice CT for identifying inflammatory sinus disease were 95.1 and 92.6%, respectively. Three-slice CT is a valuable method for diagnosing and following rhinosinusitis cases, and would be cheaper and involve less radiation exposure than contiguous coronal CT. However, despite the high cost and greater radiation exposure, contiguous CT remains the gold standard for evaluating detailed sinus anatomy and disease progression.

Adult↗