Variant Omohyoid Muscle: Report of Two Cases.

Omohyoid muscle consists of superior and inferior bellies connected by an intermediate tendon. Various anomalies of superior belly of omohyoid are described in literature. However, absence of superior belly of omohyoid is rarely reported. During regular head and neck dissection conducted for dental students at M S Ramaiah Medical College, variant omohyoid muscle were found in two male cadavers of south Indian origin. The variation noticed was unilateral in both the cases with normal inferior belly of omohyoid. In these cases the absent superior belly of omohyoid, is replaced by a fibrous tendon. Surgeons should be aware of this variation as it forms an important landmark for head and neck surgeries. It is also used as myocutaneous flaps for various reconstruction procedures.

Mondor’s Disease.

Mondor’s disease is the chronic inflammation (thrombophlebitis) of superficial veins of thoracoabdominal or thoraco epigastric region. Very few cases have been reported so far. The causes are numerous and have been mentioned as trauma, inflammation of skin, following breast surgery in cancerous condition, excessive physical activity, compressive bandages, tight clothing, infections and benign or malignant breast tumours. In the present case there was chronic thrombophlebitis of lateral thoracic vein, which was observed on the right pectoral region in middle aged male cadaver. It appeared as a thick, bluish coloured, cord like structure, seen in place of lateral thoracic vessels. When traced proximally, it was opening into the right subclavian vein immediately deep to the right clavicle. Histopathological examination confirmed the vein which was showing destruction of tunica intima as in chronic inflammatory condition. The lumen showed presence of clot. The complication of Mondor’s disease may lead to the spread of inflammation to other regions, clot formation, detachment of the clot leading to thrombo embolism.

Elongated Odontoid Process of Axis Vertebra.

Introduction: Odontoid process is a bony projection of axis around which the atlas rotates. It measures 1 to 1.25 cms in length and projects upwards from the body of Axis. An elongated odontoid process may narrow the foramen magnum causing compressive neurological symptoms. It can cause cervical stiffness, serious restrictions of neck movement, and even a bone-derived torticollis. Observation: During routine osteology classes, we encountered an Axis vertebra with an elongated odontoid process. The measurements of the elongated odontoid process were taken using digital Vernier slide calipers. Conclusion: Elongated odontoid process can be mistaken for fracture of dens in radiological images; hence the knowledge of elongated odontoid process is useful for the radiologists, neurosurgeons and orthopaedicians for accurate diagnosis and treatment involving cranio-vertebral junctions.