Variations of the gallbladder in Sudanese subjects with literature review.

BACKGROUND: Advances in the use of laparoscopic surgery, especially in the biliary apparatus interference makes the need to revise the anatomical data of the gallbladder (GB) more important. Variations of the extra-hepatic biliary apparatus are characterized by large varieties of configurations. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article was to study the morphology of the GB in Sudanese subjects and review the common variations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dissection of formalin-fixed cadavers' abdomens. RESULTS: GB is larger in Sudanese subjects than what is described in the standard text books. CONCLUSION: Congenital anomalies and anatomical variations of the extra-hepatic biliary tree, although not uncommon, can be of clinical importance. There are some differences in the only size of GB in Sudanese.

Echogenicity of the fetal telencephalic choroid plexus as a second trimester developmental landmark: a preliminary report.

Echogenicity of the normal fetal telencephalic choroid plexus was characterized anatomically in 102 consecutive antenatal abdominal ultrasonographic examinations. Echogenicity of the plexus was observed only during the second trimester, first appearing at week 13 and disappearing after week 23. We suggest that this echogenicity may be due to different stages of glycogen chemistry in the plexus. The knowledge that telencephalic echogenicity is confined to the second trimester should help detect diseases that cause focal areas of echogenicity in fetal life.