ABSTRACT
Introduction: There is no uniformity in published works regarding the presence of sexual dimorphism in themorphology of the Corpus Callosum (CC), specifically splenium.Objective: The present study was conducted on formalin fixed preserved brains to get comprehensive dataregarding gender related differences of CC.Materials and Methods: 50 formalin fixed human brains without apparent neuropathology were cut in themidsagittal plane. The various morphometric features of CC were measured and recorded on these midsagittalsections.The diameters measured were: (i) length of CC (AB), (ii) Width of body of CC at mid point (WBM), (iii) Maximumwidth of genu (AE), (iv) Maximum width of splenium (BD).Results: Mean values of two parameters (AB and AE) were greater in male than in female. However, 2 parameters(WMB and BD) had greater value in female than male. Only two parameters (AB and BD) showed statisticallysignificant (p value < 0.05) gender differences.Conclusion:significant sexual dimorphism was observed in the longitudinal length of the CC, including morphologyof the splenium. However, these gender related differences are more likely due to individual differences regardlessof sex
ABSTRACT
Context: Lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (LSTV) are congenital anomalies that occur due to defect in normalsegmentation of the lumbosacral spine during development. This may be either in the form of assimilation offifth lumbar vertebra with the sacrum (sacralisation), or transition of the first piece of sacral vertebra into thelumbar configuration (lumbarisation).Aims and Objectives: Although presence of LSTV is common in general population but knowledge about its exactclinical implications is still lacking. The primary aim of the present study was to determine the rate of incidenceof transitional vertebra and their sex difference (if present) in dried human sacra. Secondary aim was to studythese transitional vertebra in detail and correlate these findings clinically.Materials and Methods: A total of fifty unbroken adult sacra were examined (male to female ratio of 3:2). Thepresence or absence of a lumbar transitional vertebra was noted and classified as incomplete or complete. Thesacral indices (SI) of all sacra were measured and values compared between typical and atypical sacra with LSTVas well as between male and female sacra.Results: Out of fifty sacra, six sacra (12%) showed presence of LSTV. Among them, four (8%) showed sacralisationof the fifth lumbar vertebra and two (4%) showed lumbarisation of first sacral vertebra. Among the four sacrashowing sacralisation, two showed incomplete fusion and two showed complete fusion of fifth lumber vertebrawith sacrum. LSTV was found to be more common in male than female. Sacralisation was seen only in male sacrawhile lumbarisation only in female sacra. The difference in the mean SI of typical sacra (97.76±4.08) and sacrawith LSTV (83.69±2.38 and 98.11±1.52 for sacralised and lumbarised sacra respectively) was found to bestatistically significant (p<0.05) and that between the male (94.55±5.70) and female (100.14±3.42) sacra wasfound to be highly significant (p<0.01).Conclusion: Presence of LSTV has many clinical and forensic implications and its knowledge is important fororthopaedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, forensic experts and also to radiologists.
ABSTRACT
Hallervorden-Spatz syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive hereditary condition characterized by early onset of progressive movement alteration that include dystonia, rigidity and choreoathetosis usually associated with pyramidal signs and mental deterioration. We report two sisters where diagnosis was missed till MRI showed classic imaging findings. Mutation analysis in one, revealed homozygous mutations in the PANK 2 gene. The need for clinical recognition of this entity and differentiation of this form from other static and progressive neurological illnesses is emphasized.