Retrospective Study of Variations in Anterior Communicating Artery in Human Cadaveric Brains in Western Uttar Pradesh Region.

Background:Anterior communicating artery connects the two anterior cerebral arteries across the commencement of the longitudinal fissure. Anterior communicating artery is an important artery to form the circle of Willis. The present study was conducted to know the variations of anterior communicating artery, including number, diameter, length, course and direction of placement. Knowledge of the variations of anterior communicating artery is important for radiologists, neurosurgeons and anatomists. Materials and methods: This was a retrospective study with a duration of more than eight years, which was conducted on 100 adult embalmed human cadaveric brains conducted in the Department of Anatomy, Subharti Medical College, Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India. After removal of the brain from cadavers used in routine educational dissection for MBBS students, the anterior communicating artery was dissected and cleaned, then measurements were taken and digitally photographed. Results:Among the 100 adult brains, the anterior communicating artery was absent in 3% of specimens. The course was oblique in 56% of specimens and horizontally placed in the remaining 44%. No duplication or triplication was seen. The mean length was 2.80 mm and mean diameter 1.11 mm. Conclusions:From the present study we conclude that the variations of anterior communicating artery are common. The anterior communicating artery was absent in 3% of specimens. Oblique and horizontal patterns were also seen. There was no duplication or triplication. Knowledge about the wide range of variations of this artery is important for neurosurgeons, radiologists and anatomists.

Vascular and Ureteric Anomalies Associated with an Abdominal Ectopic Kidney: a Case Study.

Introduction: Renal ectopia is an uncommon congenital condition, where kidney is misplaced and malrotated. Results: In the present study, it was found that the right kidney had a lower position (at the level of L2 to L5) than usual. The hilum of the right kidney was facing anterolaterally and had two renal pelvises. The right kidney was supplied by five renal arteries and the left one by two renal arteries. Discussion: Renal ectopia occurs due to abnormal ascend and rotation of the kidney. The majority of ectopia cases were reported in the pelvic region, but in the present study it was found in the abdominal region. Conclusion: Ectopic kidney may occur due to abnormal ascent and rotation of kidney. It may be associated with vascular and ureteric anomalies.

Morphometric Analysis of Axis and Its Clinical Significance -An Anatomical Study of Indian Human Axis Vertebrae.

BACKGROUND: The atlas and axis vertebra have unique shape and complex relationship with vertebral artery. Fracture of dens of axis accounts for 7-27% of all cervical spine fractures, but surgeries in these regions are highly risky because of the reported incidences of vertebral artery injury. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: The study was designed to measure morphometric data of human axis vertebra, of Indian origin. The different anatomical parameters on dry specimen of human axis vertebrae were established and the results were compared with other studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty intact human axis vertebrae were measured with digital vernier caliper and mini-inclinometer. Various linear and angular parameters of axis were observed. RESULTS: The mean distance from the midline of body to the tip of transverse process of axis was 29.32 mm on right side and 29.06mm on left side. The mean distance from the midline of body to the lateral most edge of superior articulating facet was 22.8 mm on right side and 22.6 mm on left side. The mean value of anterior and posterior height of axis was 34.33±2.69mm and 30.56±2.78mm respectively. The anterior and posterior height of body of axis was 19.67 mm and 16.67mm respectively. Mean A-P and transverse diameter of inferior surface of axis was 15.42mm and 17.7mm respectively. Mean transverse diameter and mean A-P diameter of odontoid process was 9.32 mm and 10.1 mm respectively. Mean anterior and posterior height of the odontoid process was 14.66 mm and 13.89mm respectively. Mean of dens axis sagittal angle (angle between an axis that was imagined to pass longitudinally through the dens axis and the vertical line on a sagittal plane) was 13.23 degree. The shape of superior articulating facets of C2 varies from oval to circular. In the present study, 84% of SAF were oval and 16% were circular. Inferior articulating facets were circular in shape in 90% cases, and oval in 10% vertebra. Mean pedicle width was 10.07mm on right side and 10.52mm on left side. Mean transverse diameter of vertebral canal was 22.37±1.73mm. Mean of A-P diameter of vertebral canal at inlet was 18.31±2.05mm and mean of A-P diameter of vertebral canal at outlet was 14.84±1.63mm. CONCLUSION: These results obtained from this study may be helpful for the surgeons in avoiding and minimizing complications such as vertebral artery injury, cranial nerve damage and injury to other vital structures while doing surgery around cranio-vertebral region.

Embryological basis and clinical correlation of the rare congenital anomaly of the human gall bladder: - "the diverticulum" - a morphological study.

BACKGROUND: Diverticulum of the human gall bladder is an important but distinct anatomical entity with significant clinical implications. It is one of the rarest congenital anomalies of the gall bladder being rarely discussed in literature. This article details the morphology of the diverticula found, along with the embryological basis and clinical significance of this important anatomical and clinical entity. AIM: To study the diverticula found, with respect to their morphology, and ascertain whether they were of congenital or acquired variety. Setting and Designs: The present study is a retrospective study carried on hundred cadavers during undergraduate dissection, in the Department of Anatomy, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Sawangi (Meghe), Wardha, and Department of Anatomy, Subharti Medical College , Meerut during a four year period i.e. 2008-2012 after obtaining necessary permission from institutional ethical committee. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Hundred gall bladder specimens collected from 10% formalin fixed cadavers were studied in detail with regard to their number, position, shapes dimensions and histology. RESULTS: Nine, congenital (true) diverticula were found in one hundred gall bladder specimens. The diverticula were of various shapes and dimensions. They formed pouches on the luminal surface of the gall bladder. Diagnosis of congenital diverticulum was confirmed by histology. CONCLUSION: In this cadaveric study, solitary diverticulum was found in nine (9%) specimens out of one hundred specimens. Association of diverticulum with non-specific prolonged ailments, acalculus cholecystitis, cholecystitis and cholelithiasis, recurrent cholangitis and carcinoma of gallbladder has been reported in literature. This important anatomical as well as clinical entity poses challenges for radiologists and laparoscopic surgeons during interventional procedures and also should be differentiated from other types of congenital anomalies and pathological states of gall bladder.

Histopathological changes in the arrector pili muscle of normal appearing skin in leprosy patients.

BACKGROUND: Leprosy is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, which affects not only the peripheral nerves and skin, but also various internal viscera through hematogenous spread, especially in lepromatous cases. Histology in its own way plays a vital role, not only in classifying the established lesion, but also in confirming the clinical diagnosis. During the latent period of subclinical involvement, the apparently normal looking skin might also be undergoing some pathological changes. METHODS: We investigated skin biopsy material taken from 60 patients with clinically diagnosed leprosy at Subharti Hospital, Subharti Medical College, Meerut, India. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and Harada's modified allochrome method for acid-fast bacilli were applied for histological investigations. RESULTS: The pattern of leprosy among the patients was indeterminate in 25 cases (41.7%), tuberculoid in 14 (23.3%), borderline tuberculoid in six (10%), borderline leprosy in four (6.7%), borderline lepromatous in four (6.7%), and lepromatous leprosy in seven (11.7%). Changes were seen in the arrector pili muscle of normal appearing skin in all types of leprosy, but involvement was greater at the lepromatous end of the spectrum compared to the tuberculoid end. CONCLUSIONS: Results of this study revealed definitive histological changes in the arrector pili muscle in normal appearing skin. The presence of AFB is significant as far as dissemination and transmission of the disease is concerned.