Anatomical observations including morphometric pattern of foramina transversaria of atlas vertebrae in North Indians

The Foramen Transversarium (FT) is the result of a special formation of cervical transverse processes formed by fusion of vestigial costal elements to the body and true transverse process of the atlas that transmits the vertebral vascular bundle. The aim of this study was to investigate the morphology and variations, if any, in the FT of the atlas which can compromise the course of the vertebral artery leading to its insufficiency. Sixty foramina transversaria of 30 dry adult human atlas vertebrae obtained from the Anatomy Department, Government Medical College, Amritsar, Punjab, India, were employed to carry out this study. Linear measurements of FT Length, Width and Depth were carried out with the help of a vernier caliper. On the basis of shape, 5 different types of FT, i.e. Rounded, Elliptical-Anteroposterior, Elliptical Transverse, Elliptical Right-Left and Elliptical Left Right, were classified. The presence of unilateral and bilateral accessory foramina transversaria was also noted. Results indicate that the mean of right and left sides of FT Length was 6.81 mm, Width 5.28 mm and Depth 5.39 mm respectively. The most common shape of the FT was Type 4 with highest frequency of 56.6% (17) on the right side and 33.3% (10) on the left side. Out of 30 vertebrae, only 7(23.3%) presented accessory FT, 4 (13.3%) showed single FT, 1 (3.3%) showed double FT unilaterally on the left side and 2 vertebrae (6.6%) presented single accessory FT bilaterally. To conclude, morphological and morphometric knowledge of the FT is clinically important as the Vertebral Artery passing through it contributes blood supply not only to the brain, but also to the inner ear, and its compression may lead to neurological and labyrinthine disturbances. FT variations are also helpful in the interpretation of radiographic pictures or CT scans for diagnostics

No disponible

Bifid inverted palmaris longus muscle - a case report

A bifid inverted Palmaris longus muscle was identified during routine cadaveric dissection while teaching undergraduate students. The muscle belonged to the right forearm of a 54-year-old male cadaver, and had a tendinous origin from the medial epicondyle of the humerus. Distally the muscle passed superficial to flexor retinaculum and bifurcated into a muscular slip and a fascial slip. The muscular slip further descended down and became continuous with the hypothenar muscle and the fascial slip inserted into palmar aponeurosis. The total length of the inverted palmaris longus muscle till bifurcation was 28.0 cm. The length of the muscular slip of the insertion was 2.6 cm, and the length of the fascial slip of the insertion was 3.1cm. Such anatomic variation can lead to compression of the median and ulnar nerves

No disponible

Morphometric analysis of lateral masses of axis vertebrae in north indians.

Background and Objective. The lateral masses of axis have good cancellous bone quality beneath the articular surface of facets that make this area a good site for the insertion of an internal fixation device. Methods. 60 dry axis vertebrae were obtained for anatomic evaluation focused on pedicle, superior and inferior articular facets, and foramen transversarium. Based upon linear and angular parameters the mean, range, and standard deviation were calculated. Results. The mean length, width, and height of the pedicle were 21.61 ± 2.37 mm, 8.82 ± 2.43 mm, and 5.63 ± 2.06 mm. The mean pedicle superior angle and median angle were 23.3 and 32.2 degrees. The mean superior articular facet length, width, and external and internal height were 16.34 ± 1.56 mm, 14.35 ± 1.75 mm, 8.98 ± 1.36 mm, and 4.23 ± 0.81 mm. Depth of vertebral artery was 4.72 ± 0.83 mm. Mean inferior articular facet length and width were 11.13 ± 1.43 mm and 7.89 ± 1.30 mm. The mean foramen transversarium length and width were 5.11 ± 0.91 mm and 5.06 ± 1.23 mm. Conclusions. The study may provide information for the surgeons to determine the safe site of entry and trajectory for the screw implantation and also to avoid injuries to vital structures while operating around axis.

Cytologic-radiologic correlation using transthoracic CT-guided FNA for lung and mediastinal masses: our experience.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Thoracic lesions account for various benign and malignant conditions. Of these lung carcinoma (mainly primary) is the most common carcinoma in the world. The present study was undertaken to know the pathological spectrum of thoracic lesions and to correlate cytoradiological findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was conducted in a tertiary care center of North India on 74 patients over an 18-month period. CT guided transthoracic FNAC (TTFNA) was carried out, and aspirates were drawn, examined, and compared with radiological diagnoses. RESULTS: The diagnostic accuracy for FNA in the present study was calculated to be 95.94% (using cytology as the gold standard). The predominant lesion was malignancy (85.1%), followed by suspicions of malignancy and inflammatory pathology (5.40% each). By cytology, the most common malignant lesion was adenocarcinoma (48%) followed by squamous cell carcinoma (40%), small cell carcinoma (8%), and undifferentiated carcinoma (4%). Cytoradiological correlation was found to be 89.2% in the present study. CONCLUSION: Present study thus concludes that TT FNA of thoracic lesions is a simple, safe, economically prudent technique associated with low morbidity and leading to quick and early diagnosis.

NESTROFT - A Valuable, Cost Effective Screening Test for Beta Thalassemia Trait in North Indian Punjabi Population.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Beta-thalassemia continues to be a cause of significant burden to the society, particularly in the poorer developing countries. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the validity of "NESTROFT" (Naked Eye Single Tube Red Cell Osmotic Fragility Test) as a useful screening tool in the diagnosis of beta thalassemia trait. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The present study was conducted on 150 subjects in the department of haematology in a tertiary health care center in north Indian state of Punjab. In group I, 111 cases diagnosed as microcytic hypochromic anaemia were selected. In group II, 39 individuals (the family members of known cases of beta thalassemia major) were selected. Complete haemogram, NESTROFT and HbA2 levels by electrophoresis were done and the results were tabulated and analyzed statistically. RESULTS: Of the 111 cases in group I, 20 (18%) gave positive results with NESTROFT while 91 cases (82%) tested negative. In group II, out of 39 cases, 30 (76.92%) tested positive with NESTROFT while 9 gave a negative result. In group I, out of 20 NESTROFT positive cases, only 3 had HbA2 levels more than 3.5%. In group II, all the 30 NESTROFT positive cases had HbA2 levels more than 3.5%. The test showed a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 85.47%, a positive predictive value of 66% and a negative predictive value of 100%. CONCLUSION: Thus, NESTROFT is a valuable, cost-effective screening test for beta thalassemia trait and appears to be a valid test in rural setting with financial constraints.