The axillary arch inserted to the coracoid process compressing the brachial plexus / El arco axilar insertado en el proceso coracoideo comprimiendo el plexo braquial

The axillary arch is a variant slip extending between the latissimus dorsi muscle and the pectoralis major. During educational dissection, a variant muscle was found in left arm of 70-year-old female cadaver. A slip muscle originated from the lateral margin of the latissimus dorsi and crossed the axilla obliquely. Therefore, we defined this muscular variation as axillary arch. It ran anterior (superficial) to the medial and lateral cords of the brachial plexus, and then it inserted to coracoid process. We reported this variant muscle and discussed its clinical significances.

El arco axilar es una variante que se extiende entre el músculo dorsal ancho y el pectoral mayor. Durante la disección educativa, se encontró una variante muscular en el brazo izquierdo de un cadáver de una mujer de 70 años. El músculo deslizante se originó en el borde lateral del dorsal ancho y cruzó la axila oblicuamente. Por lo tanto, definimos esta variación muscular como el arco axilar. Se extendió anterior (superficial) a los cordones medial y lateral del plexo braquial, y luego se insertó en el proceso coracoideo. Reportamos esta variante muscular y discutimos sus significados clínicas.

Expresión morfológica del músculo axilopectoral: un estudio anatómico directo en una muestra de población colombiana / Morphological expression of the axillary pectoral muscle: a direct anatomical study in a sample of Colombian population

El músculo axilopectoral (MAP) es una estructura fibromuscular accesoria de la región axilar, que se relaciona con el plexo braquial, vasos y linfonodos axilares, y es reportado en los diferentes grupos poblacionales con incidencia variable. Se evaluaron un total de 106 axilas correspondientes a 53 cadáveres frescos que fueron sometidos a autopsia. El MAP se presentó en 5 regiones axilares (4,7 %), con tres casos unilaterales (2,8 %) y uno bilateral (0,9 %). La longitud total del MAP estuvo en un rango de 81,6-119,7 mm, mientras que su segmento tendinoso midió 13,3-28,1 mm. El espesor de su vientre muscular fue de 7,1-52 mm y del tendinoso 6,920,1 mm. En todos los casos, el MAP se originó del músculo latísimo del dorso y se insertó en el labio lateral del surco intertubercular del húmero, adyacente a la inserción del músculo pectoral mayor. Los MAP evaluados fueron inervados por el nervio toracodorsal. En dos casos, el vientre muscular del MAP cursó con trayectoria antero medial a las fibras infraclaviculares del plexo braquial, mientras que en los tres restantes, los segmentos fibrosos de inserción del MAP estuvieron relacionados con el plexo. La incidencia del MAP encontrada en el presente estudio es similar a los reportes previos realizados en cadáveres y considerablemente mayor a los reportes anatomoquirúrgicos. La importancia del MAP radica en su implicación con el síndrome de salida torácica, trombosis profunda del miembro superior y en las complicaciones en la linfadenectomía axilar.

The axillary pectoral muscle (APM) is an accessory fibromuscular structure of the axillary region. It is related to the brachial plexus, axillary vessels and lymph nodes, and is reported with variable incidence in different population groups. A total of 106 axilla were evaluated corresponding to 53 fresh cadavers. The APM was presented in 5 axillary regions (4.7 %), with three unilateral cases (2.8 %) and one bilateral (0.9 %). The total length of the APM ranged from 81.6-119.7 mm, while its tendinous segment measured 13.3-28.1 mm. Muscular belly thickness was 7.1-52 mm and the tendinous segment measured 6.9-20.1 mm. In all cases, the APM originated from the latissimus dorsi muscle and inserted into the lateral lip of humerus intertubercular sulcus, adjacent to the pectoralis major muscle insertion. The evaluated APMs were innervated by the thoracodorsal nerve. In two cases, the APM muscular belly had an anterior medial trajectory to brachial plexus fibers, while in the remaining samples, long fibrous segments of APM insertion were related to the plexus. The incidence of the APM found in the present study is similar to previous reports carried out in cadavers; it was considerably higher than previous anatomy-surgical reports. The importance of APM relies on its involvement with thoracic outlet syndrome, deep thrombosis of the upper limb and complications in axillary lymphadenectomy.

The dorsoepicondylar medial muscle a clinically relevant anatomical variation / El músculo dorsoepicondylar medial: una variación anatómica clínicamente relevante

Anatomical variations in the axillary region do not always appear in modern human anatomy texts, which leaves the risk of diagnostic and surgical errors by doctors unaware of these variations. This work presents an anatomical variation of muscular type in the axillary region that can potentially generate clinical manifestations or iatrogenic results during surgical procedures. Routine dissection of an upper limb in a male cadaver. An atypical muscle was found in the axillary region, located at the base of the right axilla, and conformed by three muscle fascicles that give rise to a common muscular belly. The three fascicles are joined at the base of the axilla, and form a thin flat muscle 120 mm long from this join to its tendon, with a cross-section diameter of 15 mm and a thickness of 2 mm. The common belly of the muscle establishes a posterior relationship with the neurovascular elements of the axillary fossa and partially covers them. The tendon 150 mm in length originates at the level of the union of the upper and middle thirds of the arm and ends inserted in the medial epicondyle of the humerus, relating in its path with muscular and neurovascular elements of the arm. Being familiar with this variation enriches diagnostic and surgical abilities and reduces the possibility of iatrogenia in surgery of the axillary and brachial regions.

Las variaciones anatómicas son frecuentes en la región axilar, sin embargo no siempre figuran en los textos modernos de anatomía humana, existiendo un potencial riesgo de error diagnóstico y quirúrgico para quienes no las consideren. Se presenta una variación anatómica en la región axilar de tipo muscular que potencialmente puede generar manifestaciones clínicas o inducir iatrogenias durante un abordaje quirúrgico. Disección de rutina de miembro superior realizada en un cadáver adulto de sexo masculino. Se detectó un músculo atípico en la región axilar ubicado en la base de la axila derecha, compuesto por 3 fascículos musculares que dieron origen a un vientre muscular común. Los 3 fascículos, se unían en la base de la axila, formando un músculo delgado y plano de 120 mm longitud desde la unión de los fascículos hasta su tendón, con un diámetro transversal de 15 mm y un grosor de 2 mm. El vientre común del músculo establecía una relación posterior con los elementos neurovasculares de la fosa axilar y los cubría parcialmente. A nivel de la unión de los tercios superior y medio del brazo, desde el vientre muscular común se originaba un delgado tendón de 150 mm de longitud, que terminaba insertándose en el epicóndilo medial del húmero, relacionándose en su trayecto con los elementos musculares y neurovasculares del brazo. Conocer esta variación enriquece la capacidad diagnóstica y quirúrgica reduciendo la posibilidad de iatrogenia en la cirugía de las regiones axilar y braquial.

Axillary reverse mapping: five-year experience.

BACKGROUND: We hypothesize that mapping the lymphatic drainage of the arm with blue dye (axillary reverse mapping [ARM]) during axillary lymphadenectomy decreases the likelihood of disruption of lymphatics and subsequent lymphedema. METHODS: This institutional review board-approved study involved 360 patients undergoing sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) and/or axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) from May 2006 to October 2011. Technetium sulfur colloid (4 mL) was injected subareolarly, and 5 mL of blue dye was injected subcutaneously in the volar surface ipsilateral upper extremity (ARM). Data were collected on variations in lymphatic drainage, successful identification and protection of arm lymphatics, crossover, and occurrence of lymphedema. RESULTS: A group of 360 patients underwent SLNB and/or ALND, 348 of whom underwent a SLNB. Of those, 237 (68.1%) had a SLNB only, and 111 (31.9%) went on to an ALND owing to a positive axilla. An additional 12 of 360 (3.3%) axilla had ALND owing to a clinically positive axilla/preoperative core needle biopsy. In 96% of patients with SLNB (334/348), breast SLNs were hot but not blue; crossover (SLN hot and blue) was seen in 14 of 348 patients (4%). Blue lymphatics were identified in 80 of 237 SLN incisions (33.7%) and in 93 of 123 ALND (75.4%). Average follow-up was 12 months (range, 3-48) and resulted in a SLNB lymphedema rate of 1.7% (4/237) and ALND of 2.4% (3/123). CONCLUSION: ARM identified substantial lymphatic variations draining the upper extremities and facilitated preservation. Metastases in ARM-identified lymph nodes were acceptably low, indicating that ARM is safe. ARM added to present-day ALND and SLNB may be useful to lesser rates of lymphedema.

The existence of axillary arch in human fetus and applied importance and clinical implications in the axillary brachial plexus blocks / La existencia de arco axilar en el feto humano y la importancia aplicadae implicancias clínicas en los bloques de plexo braquial

Axillary arch is the most common muscle variation of axillary fossa that gains importance for regional interventional procedures, screening methods and physical examination. In order to avoid malpractice the variations must be borne in mind. This study has been planned to research the frequency and the features of the axillary arch in human fetus, to mention the potential clinical and functional significance of axillary arch while applying axillary brachial plexus block and reflect on possible complications. Axillary fossa was examined with a stereomicroscope in 20 upper extremities of ten human fetuses. The gestation ages ranged from 16 to 36 weeks. Axillary arch was determined in 2/20 specimen unilaterally. In both specimen, muscular slip detached from latissimus dorsi, passed anterior neurovascular bundle and ended posterior pectoralis major tendon and lateral border of intertubercular groove. In one specimen axillary arch was innervated with medial pectoral nerve whereas the other one did not have a particular innervating nerve branch. The possible effects of axillary arch in the axillary brachial plexus block applications are discussed. Arcus axillaris may have a potential clinical and functional significance with regard the axillary brachial plexus block applications and may have possible effects on failure rate and acute complications. Also, we think that this fetus study which the pure structure of the muscles without any usage effect can be observed will be beneficial regarding this topic.

El arco axilar es la variación muscular más común de la fosa axilar, siendo de importancia para la región en los procedimientos de intervención, los métodos de selección y el examen físico. Con el fin de evitar las negligencias se debe tener en cuenta las variaciones. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la frecuencia y las características del arco axilar en el feto humano. Es necesario mencionar la importancia del potencial clínico y funcional del arco axilar en la aplicación de bloqueo axilar del plexo braquial y sus posibles complicaciones. La fosa axilar fue examinada bajo microscopio estereoscópico en 20 miembros superiores de diez fetos humanos. La edad de gestación varió de 16 a 36 semanas. El arco axilar se observó unilateralmente en 2/20 especímenes. En ambos especímenes el músculo cruzó anteriormente el paquete neurovascular y terminó en el tendón del músculo pectoral mayor y en el margen lateral del surco intertubercular. En un especimen el arco axilar se encontraba inervado por el nervio pectoral medial, mientras que en el otro no existía una determinado ramo del nervio. Se discuten los posibles efectos del arco axilar en las aplicaciones de bloqueo axilar del plexo braquial. Puede tener un significado potencial clínico y funcional, en lo que se refiere a la aplicación de bloqueo axilar del plexo braquial y aademás producir efectos de complicaciones agudas.

Laparoscopic treatment of Poland's syndrome using the omentum flap technique.

OBJECTIVE: For patients with Poland's syndrome, a transverse skin fold in the anterior axillary pillar, infra-clavicular depression and an anomalous breast contour are the most uncomfortable disfigurements. This study aims to demonstrate that superior aesthetic results can be achieved by using a laparoscopically harvested omentum flap to treat this condition. METHODS: From a prospectively maintained clinical database of patients undergoing a laparoscopic omentum flap procedure for breast reconstruction, all of the patients with Poland's syndrome were identified and their outcomes were studied. RESULTS: Thirteen consecutive patients with Poland's syndrome were treated and evaluated regarding breast contour, reconstruction of the anterior axillary pillar and filling of the infra-clavicular depression. Implants were employed beneath the flap in 76% of cases to improve symmetry. In 23% of cases, a contra-lateral mastopexy was performed, and in 15% of cases, a breast implant was used. The consistency of the flap is similar to natural breast tissue and only a small incision in the breast fold is needed. The majority of patients (85%) were female, with a mean age of 26 (18-53). The flap is extremely malleable, adapts to irregular surfaces, and has a long vascular pedicle. Additionally, its removal does not leave a scar at the donor site as the removal of muscular flaps does. For example, the removal of the latissimus dorsi flap causes a deformity in the dorsal contour. The mean operative time was 201 minutes (80-350) and the mean hospital stay was 2.3 days (1-5). CONCLUSIONS: The outcomes of these patients revealed that the omentum flap technique provided superior amelioration of the deformities caused by Poland's syndrome when compared with other reconstructive options.

Tratamiento conservador de la glándula mamaria: experiencia Unidad de Mastología Clínica Leopoldo Aguerrevere / Preservative breats cancer treatment: experience in Mastology Unit of Leopoldo Aguerrevere Clinic

El tratamiento conservador de la glándula mamaria ha permitido mantener el éxito oncológico en el tratamiento de cáncer invasor, sin sacrificar estética y funcionalidad. Desde marzo de 1980 en la Unidad de Mastología del Centro Clínico de Maternidad Leopoldo Aguerrevere se siguieron pacientes con cáncer de mama T1 y T2, no mayor de 3 cm, 543 pacientes se dividieron en: primer grupo 295 pacientes desde mayo 1980 al 1998, a los cuales se les realizó mastectomía parcial oncológica con disección axilar de los niveles I y II y un segundo grupo desde mayo 1998-diciembre 2004, a los cuales además de la mastectomía se les realizó identificación del ganglio centinela por técnica combinada de tecnecio 99 y azul patente, y disección axilar cuando este último fue positivo. El promedio de edad fue de 53,13 años, estadio clínico más frecuente fue I, el tamaño tumoral similar en ambos grupos de estudio. Sobrevida global para el grupo total fue 85,5% a los 5 años y 68,5% a los 10. La libre de enfermedad de 83,6% a los 5 años y 63,2% a los 10 años.

The conservative treatment of the mammary gland has allowed support the success in the treatment of invasive cancer, without sacrificing the esthetic and functionality of the organ. Since March 1980 at the mastology unit “Clinica Leopoldo Aguerrevere” we followed patients with breast cancer T1 and T2, no bigger than 3 cm. 543 patients were divide in a first group of 295 patients from May, 1980 to December 1998, to which a partial oncological mastectomy was made by axillaries dissection of the levels I and II, and a second group from May, 1998 to December 2004 with partial mastectomy and identification of the sentinel lymph node biopsy using a combined technique of tecnetium 99 and clear blue, and axillaries dissection when the sentinel node was positive. The average of age was 53.13 years and the most frequent clinical stage was I, being the tumor similar size in the both groups of study. The global survival of the total group was 85.5% at 5 years and 68.5% at 10 years. Free survival disease was 83.6% at the 5 years and 63.2% at 10 years.

Laparoscopic treatment of Poland's syndrome using the omentum flap technique

OBJECTIVE: For patients with Poland's syndrome, a transverse skin fold in the anterior axillary pillar, infra-clavicular depression and an anomalous breast contour are the most uncomfortable disfigurements. This study aims to demonstrate that superior aesthetic results can be achieved by using a laparoscopically harvested omentum flap to treat this condition. METHODS: From a prospectively maintained clinical database of patients undergoing a laparoscopic omentum flap procedure for breast reconstruction, all of the patients with Poland's syndrome were identified and their outcomes were studied. RESULTS: Thirteen consecutive patients with Poland's syndrome were treated and evaluated regarding breast contour, reconstruction of the anterior axillary pillar and filling of the infra-clavicular depression. Implants were employed beneath the flap in 76 percent of cases to improve symmetry. In 23 percent of cases, a contra-lateral mastopexy was performed, and in 15 percent of cases, a breast implant was used. The consistency of the flap is similar to natural breast tissue and only a small incision in the breast fold is needed. The majority of patients (85 percent) were female, with a mean age of 26 (18-53). The flap is extremely malleable, adapts to irregular surfaces, and has a long vascular pedicle. Additionally, its removal does not leave a scar at the donor site as the removal of muscular flaps does. For example, the removal of the latissimus dorsi flap causes a deformity in the dorsal contour. The mean operative time was 201 minutes (80-350) and the mean hospital stay was 2.3 days (1-5). CONCLUSIONS: The outcomes of these patients revealed that the omentum flap technique provided superior amelioration of the deformities caused by Poland's syndrome when compared with other reconstructive options.

Bilateral presence of axillary arch muscle passing through the posterior cord of the brachial plexus / Presencia bilateral del arco muscular axilar pasando por el fascículo posterior del plexo braquial

The axillary arch can be described as an anomalous muscular slip of latissimus dorsi muscle. In this paper, a rare case of bilateral axillary arch is reported during routine dissection of the axillary region of a 57-year old male cadaver. On both sides, the axillary arch muscle took origin from latissimus dorsi and teres major, and passed upwards through the posterior cord of the brachial plexus, but posterior to the bulk of axillary neurovascular bundle. It then split into two slips: the medial slip was inserted into the root of the coracoid process, while the lateral slip which was intracapsular, was attached to the lesser tubercle, above the attachment of subscapularis. The presence of the muscle has important clinical implications, and the position, bilateral presence, penetration of the posterior cord, and multiple connective tissue attachments makes the case most unique. The anatomy, surgical implications, and embryology of the anomalous muscle are discussed in this paper.

El arco axilar puede ser descrito como un fascículo muscular anómalo del músculo latísimo del dorso. En este trabajo, un raro caso de arco axilar bilateral se encontró durante la disección de rutina de la región axilar de un cadáver de 57 años de sexo masculino. En ambos lados, el músculo arco axilar se originó desde los músculos latísimo del dorso y redondo mayor y pasó hacia arriba a través del fascículo posterior del plexo braquial, pero posterior a la mayor parte del paquete neurovascular axilar. A continuación, se dividió en fascículos: el fascículo medial se insertó en la raíz del proceso coracoides, mientras que el fascículo lateral, era intracapsular y se insertaba en el tubérculo menor del húmero, por encima de la inserción del músculo subescapular. La presencia de este músculo axilar tiene importantes implicaciones clínicas, y la posición, la presencia bilateral, la penetración del fascículo posterior, y múltiples uniones de tejido conectivo hacen al caso más especial. La anatomía, las implicaciones quirúrgicas y embriología del músculo anómalo son discutidos en este trabajo.

Anatomical and clinical considerations of the pectoralis tertius muscle in man / Consideraciones anatómicas y clínicas del músculo pectoral tercero en el hombre

The anatomical variation of the major pectoral muscles is infrequent, namely the agenesis of the pectoralis major muscle due to the morpho-functional alterations it causes. On the other hand, he presence of -supernumerary - pectoral muscles is not common and its physiological, clinical or surgical importance will depend on the stage of its development. The important aspect is that these muscles, while crossing the anterior wall of the axila and inserting in the humerus, may confuse or difficult surgical access to the content of the axillary fossa. Pectoralis tertius muscles were found in two dissected cadavers at the Topographic Anatomy of the Faculty of Medicine of the Universidad de La Frontera, Chile. These muscles were bilateral and independent of the pectoralis major muscle. They originated in the external face of the sixth rib and adjacent regions, and inserted in the coracoid process, the crest of the greater tubercle of the humerus, or next to the insertion of the pectoralis major muscle, contributing to the formation of the anterior wall of the axila. The supernumerary muscles crossing the axillary region, whether in an arched form or elongated as the pectoralis tertius muscles, may confuse the surgeon at the entrance of the axila. In view of the above, it is always necessary to consider the possible existence of this type of anatomical variation.

La variación del músculo pectoral mayor es frecuente, siendo la agenesia de este músculo causante de alteraciones morfofuncionales. Por otro lado, la presencia de un músculo pectoral supernumerario no es común y su importancia fisiológica, clínica o quirúrgica va a depender del estado de su desarrollo. Los importancia de estos músculos radica en que ellos cruzan la pared anterior de la axila y se insertan en el húmero, lo que puede confundir o dificultar el acceso quirúrgico al contenido de la fosa axilar. Músculos pectorales terceros fueron encontrados en dos cadáveres disecados en la Facultad de Medicina de Universidad de La Frontera, Chile. Estos músculos eran bilaterales e independientes del músculo pectoral mayor. Ellos se originaban en la cara externa de la sexta costilla y regiones adyacentes y se insertaban en el proceso coracoides, cresta del tubérculo mayor del húmero o próximo a la inserción del músculo pectoral mayor, contribuyendo a la formación de la pared anterior de la axila. Los músculos supernumerarios que cruzan la región axilar, ya sea en una forma arqueada o alargada como los músculos pectorales terceros, pueden confundir al cirujano en la entrada a la axila. En vista de lo anterior, siempre es necesario considerar la posible existencia de este tipo de variaciones anatómicas.

Origen y trayecto anómalos del nervio musculocutáneo / Anomalus origin and traject of musculocutaneous nerve

El nervio musculocutáneo se origina del fascículo lateral en el plexo braquial y sus fibras emergen principalmente de las raíces nerviosas anteriores de C5 y C6. Durante la disección de rutina del plexo braquial en un cadáver formolizado, fue encontrada una variación del origen y trayecto de este nervio. El nervio musculocutáneo se originaba de la cara lateral del nervio mediano y después del origen, cruzaba anteriormente al músculo coracobraquial, sin perforarlo, de medial hacia lateral y de proximal hacia distal, para después ramificarse. Las variaciones anatómicas encontradas contribuyen para el estudio de la anatomía y sirven para el cirujano en intervenciones en la fosa axilar y en la parte anterior del brazo, previniendo, así, complicaciones operatorias.

The musculocutaneous is originated from the lateral fascicle in the brachial plexus and its fibers emerge mainly from the anterior nervous roots C5 and C6. During the routine dissection of the brachial plexus in a formolized corpse, its origin variation and passage was found. The nerve was originated on the lateral face of the median nerve and after its origin, crossed anteriorly to the coracobrachial muscle, without perforating it, from medial to lateral, proximal to distal, after to branch off. The anatomical variations found contribute to the anatomy study and they serve as alert for the surgeon in interventions in the axillary's cavity and in the previous store of the arm, preventing, thus, operational complications.

The morphology and clinical importance of the axillary arch.

The axillary arch is the main variation of the axillary muscle. It was first described by Ramsay in 1795. In its classical form, it arises from the latissimus dorsi muscle and extends from this towards the pectoralis major, crossing the base of the axilla and creating a close relationship with the elements of the axillary neurovascular bundle. We describe the finding of 9 axillary arches, including one case of a bilateral arrangement. We develop a searching and finding technique for the axillary arch, essential for the safe and successful development of surgical procedures in the axillary region. Knowledge of this muscle variation and the possibility of finding it during axillary procedures is crucial for lymph node staging and lymphadenectomy and is also important for differential diagnosis in compressive pathologies of the axillary vessels and brachial plexus.

Panniculus carnosus, remanentes vestigiales en la región axilar / Panniculus carnosus, vestigial remanents in the axillary region

Las variaciones anatómicas de los elementos musculares de la región axilar son poco frecuentes y, generalmente, se encuentran olvidadas en los textos modernos de anatomía. Sin embargo, cuando existen, presentan un serio escollo para el cirujano, ya que alteran los hitos anatómicos de referencia para el abordaje de los importantes elementos vasculares y neurales de la región. Desde el siglo XIX algunos autores han descrito una variedad de pequeños fascículos musculares originados en el Panniculus carnosus, que se disponen en relación con los elementos neurovasculares de la axila. En esta ocasión presentamos un hallazgo efectuado en un cadáver, de sexo masculino, utilizado con fines docentes en el Departamento de Anatomía de la Escuela de Medicina de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. En la región axilar derecha, se observa un fascículo muscular que se extiende desde la apófisis coracoides, dispuesto por delante del músculo subescapular y pasando por detrás del paquete neurovascular de la axila. En su trayecto, este fascículo toma íntima relación con el nervio axilar y con la porción distal de la arteria subescapular. El músculo aberrante termina como una expansión aponeurótica, dispuesta ventral al tendón del latísimo del dorso, que se funde con la fascia axilar.

The anatomical variations of the muscular elements of the axillary region are infrequent and, generally, they are forgotten in modern texts of anatomy. Nevertheless, when they exist, they present a serious obstacle for the surgeon, since they alter the anatomical landmarks of reference for the approach to important neural and vascular elements of the region. Since the 19th century some authors have described a variety of small muscular fascicles originated in the "panniculus carnosus", that are arranged in relation to neurovasculares elements of the axila. In this occasion we present a finding performed in a corpse, male sex, dissected in the Department of Anatomy of the School of Medicine of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. In the right axillary region, a muscular fascicle is observed that extends from the coracoid process, arranged in front of the subscapularis muscle, and passing behind the neurovascular elements of the axila. In its course, this fascicle takes close relation with the axillary nerve and with the distal portion of the subscapular artery. This aberrant fascicle ends as an aponeurotic expansion, arranged ventral to the tendon of the latissimus dorsi muscle, which melts with the axillary fascia.

Anatomy of the Thoracic Wall, Axilla and Breast / Anatomía de la Pared Torácica, Axila y Mama

For adequate treatment of patients with breast cancer, mastologists should have a complete understanding of the anatomy of the thoracic wall, axilla and breast. However, the classical anatomical descriptions in textbooks make it difficult to gain full mastery of this subject, because the books usually deal with its elements separately. In an endeavor to resolve this difficulty, the present authors have conducted an extensive review, to describe the muscles, blood vessels and nerves of the thoracic wall and in the axilla that are of interest to mastologists. The axilla was described in detail, with emphasis on its limits, walls and contents, and highlighting the lymph nodes in this region. Finally, the anatomy of the breast and its topography, innervation, vascularization and lymph drainage were described, making correlations between the anatomy and the lymph node group classification routinely used by mastologists.

Para un adecuado tratamiento de pacientes con cáncer de mama, los mastologistas deben tener un completo conocimiento de la anatomía de la pared torácica, axila y mama. Sin embargo, la descripción de la anatomía clásica se hace dificultosa en los libros para obtener una óptica visión sobre esta materia, debido a que los textos tratan estos elementos separadamente. Con el objetivo de resolver esta dificultad, los autores hacen una extensa revisión, describen los músculos, vasos sanguíneos y nervios de la pared torácica y de la axila, que son de interés para los mastologistas. Fue descrita la axila, dando énfasis a sus límites, pared y contenidos, y especialmente, a los linfonodos de la región. Finalmente, se describió la anatomía de la mama, su topografía, inervación, vascularización, y drenaje linfático haciendo una relación entre la anatomía y la clasificación rutinaria del grupo de linfonodos utilizada por los mastologistas.

Evaluación anatomopatológica del ganglio centinela: diagnóstico de micrometástasis / Pathological evaluation of sentinel lymph node: diagnosis of micrometastases

Determinar la utilidad de la inmunohistoquímica en la detección de micrometástasis en el ganglio centinela y la necesidad de llevar a cabo una disección axilar con diagnóstico de micrometástasis en el ganglio centinela. Se practicó la biopsia del ganglio centinela en 130 casos en 129 pancientes, entre 1998 y el 2004, con un promedio de seguimiento de 20 meses. Se usó la técnica combinada con sulfuro coloidal de tecnecio 99 no filtrado y colorante azul patente, ambos inyectados en el área peri-areolar subdérmica. Cada ganglio se seccionó longitudinalmente en fragmentos de 2 mm de espesor. Se realizó estudios de inmunohistoquímica en los ganglios negativos. En los casos en que se diagnóstico metástasis, en un segundo tiempo, se llevó a cabo una disección axilar. Obtuvimos un 96,92 por ciento de identificación de los ganglios centinela. En el 63,49 por ciento se identificó un ganglio y en el 36,51 por ciento se detectó más de un ganglio. En 28 casos, se reportó enfermedad metastásica, de estos 19 fueron macrometástasis. El estudio por inmunohistóquímica sólo detectó 1 caso de micrometástasis que no fue observada con hematoxilina y eosina. La técnica de biopsia del ganglio centinela es eficaz y segura para su identificación. Su estudio en forma minuciosa y fuera del acto quirúrgico de la mama, la hacen altamente recomendable para el diagnóstico de micrometástasis. El estudio por inmunohistoquímica en casos negativos no ofrece beneficio importante.

To determine the utility of the immunehistochemistry in the detection of micrometastasis in the sentinel node dissection and the necessity to perform an axillary dissection with diagnosis of micrometastasis in the sentinel node. We practiced the sentinel node biopsy in 130 cases in 129 patients, between 1998 and the 2004, with a follow-up average of 20 months. We used a combined technique with not filtered sulfide colloidal technetium 99 and colorant blue patent, both injected in subdermal peri areolar area. Each lymphatic node was sectioned longitudinally in fragments of 2 mm of thickness. It was made immunehistochemistry studies in the negative sentinel node. In the cases in that metastasis was diagnosed, in a second time, an axillary dissection was performed. We obtained a 96.92 % of identification of the sentinel nodes. In 63.49 % we only identified one sentinel node and in 36.51 % we identified more than a one sentinel node. In 28 cases, metastasic disease was reported, of which, 19 were macrometastasis disease. The immunehistochemical study only detected one micrometastasis case witch one, no was detected by hematoxylin and eosin stains. The technique of sentinel node biopsy is effective and safe for its identification. Its study in meticulous form and outside the surgical act of the breast, they highly make it recommendable for the diagnosis of micrometastasis. The study by immunehistochemistry in negative cases does not offer important benefit.

Coexistence of an axillary arch muscle (Latissimocondyloideus Muscle) with an Unusual Axillary Artery Branching: case report and review

RESUMEN: La axila es un compartimiento piramidal relativamente pequeño, localizado entre la pared torácica y el brazo, que contiene músculos y estructuras neurovasculares. Estas estructuras son importantes desde los puntos de vista clínico y morfológico. En este artículo reportamos la presencia de una variación del músculo latisimocondíleo y de la arteria axilar, la cual se encuentra debajo del músculo mencionado. La variación es única en su tipo. La morfología y el significado clínico del músculo son discutidos.

The gross anatomy of the extrathoracic course of the intercostobrachial nerve.

Recent reports emphasize the importance of preserving the intercostobrachial nerve (ICBN) during surgical procedures (i.e., mastectomy, axillary clearance). However, a limited number of scientific reports explore the surgical anatomy of this nerve. We dissected 100 adult human formalin-fixed cadavers (200 axillae). In all the cadavers the ICBN was present with variant contributions from intercostal nerves T1, T2, T3, and T4. The arrangements of the ICBN were typed as I through VIII. The components of Type I (45% or 90 of our specimens) included a branch to the posterior antebrachial cutaneous nerve, a branch to the anterior and lateral parts of the axilla, a branch to the medial side of the arm, and a branch to the medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve. Type II (25%) describes the ICBN arising from T2 and giving off a branch to the brachial plexus. In Type III (10%), lateral cutaneous branches of T2 and T3 fuse as a common trunk and then split immediately after exiting the intercostal space to form an ICBN. In type IV (5%), T2 and T3 join distally to form an ICBN that ends as its terminal branches. Type V (5%): T3 joins T2 from the same intercostal space proximally, with Type VI (3%) showing a very proximal branching of the sensory terminal nerves. Type VII (5%) displayed a contribution from T3 and a branch to the brachial plexus with multiple terminating branches. A contribution from T3 and T4 and a branch to the brachial plexus with multiple branches of termination comprised Type VIII (2%).

Elevator muscle of the tendon of latissimus dorsi muscle.

Muscular dispositions in the axilla acquire importance under certain surgical procedures that involve the axillary artery ligature. These supernumerary muscles make the approach to the axillary fossa and their content difficult. We dissected 108 formalized corpses from adult male individuals. The specimens belong to the topographic Anatomy Unit of the Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Chile. In all dissections, a rare and infrequent muscular variation attributed to the presence of a elevator muscle at the dorsal part of the latissimus muscle on the right upper limb from an adult individual was found. This muscle was fusiform and originated at the coracoid process by a short tendon of cylindrical form inserted in the dorsal superior part of the tendon of the latissimus dorsi muscle. Muscular belly and tendons of origin and insertion were closely related to the brachial plexus and the axillar vessels that they crossed.