Morphological variations of papillary muscles in the mitral valve complex in human cadaveric hearts

<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>Papillary muscle rupture and dysfunction can lead to complications of prolapsed mitral valve and mitral regurgitation. Multiple operative procedures of the papillary muscles, such as resection, repositioning and realignment, are carried out to restore normal physiological function. Therefore, it is important to know both the variations and the normal anatomy of papillary muscles.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>This study was carried out on 116 human cadaveric hearts. The left ventricles were opened along the left border in order to view the papillary muscles. The number, shape, position and pattern of the papillary muscles were observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In this series, the papillary muscles were mostly found in groups instead of in twos, as is described in standard textbooks. Four different shapes of papillary muscles were identified - conical, broad-apexed, pyramidal and fan-shaped. We also discovered various patterns of papillary muscles.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>No two mitral valve complexes have the same architectural arrangement. Each case seems to be unique. Therefore, it is important for scientists worldwide to study the variations in the mitral valve complex in order to ascertain the reason behind each specific architectural arrangement. This will enable cardiothoracic surgeons to tailor the surgical procedures according to the individual papillary muscle pattern.</p>

Variations of anterior cerebral artery in human cadavers

Background: Anterior cerebral artery is an important terminal branch of internal carotid artery. It forms the anterior component of circle of Willis along with the anterior communicating artery. Circle of Willis is known for the frequent variations. The knowledge of anatomical variations in anterior cerebral artery is of considerable help to clinicians. Method: Morphology and variations of the anterior cerebral arteries and the anterior communicating artery were studied in 112 formalin preserved brain. Results: Variations were found in 31.3% (n=35). Variations of the segments in relation with size, course, communications and terminations of the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) were noted. These were divided into different groups like hypoplasia, aplasia, duplication and fenestrations. The mean diameter and length of the proximal segment of the anterior cerebral artery (A1) was 3.2 mm and 15.7 mm, anterior communicating artery (ACoA) was 2.4 mm and 3.3 mm and distal segment of the anterior cerebral artery (A2) was 2.5 mm and 42.1 mm respectively. Conclusion: Variation of anterior cerebral artery is common in this study of Indian human cadavers.