Variation in the vertebral levels of the origins of the abdominal aorta branches: a retrospective imaging study.

Our aim was to investigate the variation in the vertebral levels of the origins of the celiac artery, superior and inferior mesenteric arteries, paired renal arteries, and common iliac arteries. We conducted a retrospective imaging study in a large public secondary hospital on a nonrandom sample of 227 participants. We consecutively included adult patients who had undergone computed tomography angiography of the abdomen and excluded patients with a history of any vertebral abnormality or whose images revealed evidence of a vertebral abnormality or a congenital anomaly of any of the branches of the abdominal aorta. The primary outcome was the frequency distribution of the vertebral levels of the landmarks. The secondary outcomes were the intercorrelations of the vertebral levels of the landmarks and their relationships with age, sex, weight, height, and body mass index. The celiac artery originated at T11/T12-L1/L2, followed by the superior mesenteric artery at T12-L2, the paired renal arteries at T12/L1-L2/L3, the inferior mesenteric artery at L2-L4, and the common iliac arteries at L3-L5. The vertebral levels of the landmarks were positively intercorrelated and stronger between proximate pairs. In addition, the vertebral levels of the landmarks were related to age, but not sex, weight, height, or body mass index. The intercorrelations suggest that a considerable proportion of the variation is accounted for by 'trickle-down' variation; variation in the vertebral level of a proximal landmark results in variation in the vertebral level of the immediate distal landmark. The overarching parameter remains unidentified.

Dorsal metacarpal veins: anatomic variation and potential clinical implications.

The dorsal metacarpal veins are frequently cannulated. Cannulation success is determined by several variable anatomic features. The objective of this study is to classify, for the first time, the anatomic variants of the dorsal metacarpal veins. In this cross-sectional study, 520 university students and staff were conveniently recruited. The dorsal metacarpal veins in 1040 hands were studied. Venous visibility was enhanced by either tourniquet application or near-infrared illumination. Variant patterns of the dorsal metacarpal veins were classified. The final analysis included 726 hands, for an exclusion rate of 30 %. Eight pattern types were identified. Three anatomic features informed the variation. Bilateral symmetry of the dorsal metacarpal veins was present in 352 participants (83 % of the total). The overall frequency distribution of variants in both hands was similar (P = 0.8). The frequency distribution of variants was subject to sexual dimorphism (P = 0.001), ethnic variation (P < 0.001), and technical variation (P < 0.001). The anatomic variants of the dorsal metacarpal veins were sorted into decreasingly frequent primary, secondary, and tertiary groups. The groups may signify a progressive increase in difficulty of peripheral cannulation, in the mentioned order. As such, primary patterns are the most common and likely the easiest to cannulate, while tertiary patterns are the least common and likely the most difficult to cannulate. The preceding premise, in tandem with the bilateral asymmetry of the veins, is clinically significant. With cannulation difficulty likely signifying an underlying tertiary pattern, the contralateral dorsal metacarpal veins are probabilistically characterized by a primary pattern and are, as such, the easier option for peripheral venous cannulation.

Morphometric analysis of the foramen magnum / Análisis morfométrico del foramen magno

SUMMARY: The foramen magnum is morphometrically typified by two perpendicular diameters and a distinct margin. This important anatomical landmark is subject to high interindividual variation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the dimensions and morphology of the foramen magnum in a Jordanian population. In this retrospective study, 247 individuals were consecutively sampled using the institutional picture archiving and communication system. The anteroposterior and transverse diameters of the foramen magnum were measured; the foramen magnum index was calculated; and, the shape of the foramen magnum was visually assessed. The sex-pooled anteroposterior and transverse diameters were 35.1 ± 3.2 mm and 29.3 ± 2.5 mm, respectively. The sex-pooled foramen magnum index was 1.20 ± 0.10. The diameters were significantly different (P<0.001) and positively correlated (r=0.52, P<0.001). Participant age was negatively correlated with the anteroposterior (rs=-0.15, P=0.02) and transverse (rs=-0.14, P=0.03) diameters. After controlling for participant age, there was a statistically significant difference in the anteroposterior diameter (P<0.001), the transverse diameter (P<0.001), and the foramen magnum index (P=0.02) between sexes. The foramen magnum was most commonly irregular in shape (36 % of all cases). In contrast to previous studies, we report, for the first time, a negative correlation between age and the diameters of the foramen magnum. In addition, a predominance of irregularly shaped foramen magnum was found. The finding makes an already heterogenous group of published data even more variable, prompting reconsideration of the role of visual assessment in morphometric studies.

RESUMEN: El foramen magno está morfométricamente tipificado por dos diámetros perpendiculares y un margen. Este punto importante de referencia anatómica está sujeto a una alta variación interindividual. El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar las dimensiones y la morfología del foramen magno en una población jordana. En este estudio retrospectivo, 247 individuos fueron muestreados consecutivamente utilizando el sistema institucional y de comunicación de imágenes. Se midieron los diámetros anteroposterior y transversal del foramen magno; Se calculó el índice del foramen magno y se evaluó visualmente la forma dede éste. Los diámetros anteroposterior y transversal agrupados por sexo fueron 35,1±3,2 mm y 29,3±2,5 mm, respectivamente. El índice del foramen magno, agrupado por sexo, fue 1,20±0,10. Los diámetros fueron significativamente diferentes (P <0,001) y positivamente correlacionados (r = 0,52, P <0,001). La edad de los participantes se correlacionó negativamente con los diámetros anteroposterior (rs = -0,15, P = 0,02) y transversal (rs = -0,14, P = 0,03). Después de verificar la edad de los participantes, hubo una diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre el diámetro anteroposterior (P <0,001), el diámetro transversal (P <0,001) y el foramen magno (P = 0,02) entre ambos sexos. El foramen magno era más comúnmente de forma irregular (36 % de todos los casos). A diferencia de estudios anteriores, se informa por primera vez de una correlación negativa entre la edad y los diámetros del foramen magno. Además, se encontró un predominio de forámenes de forma irregular. El hallazgo indica que un grupo heterogéneo de datos ya publicados, sea aún más variable, lo que lleva a reconsiderar el papel de la evaluación visual en los estudios morfométricos.

Double inferior vena cava detected by CT venography and confirmed by magnetic resonance venography: embryogenesis and literature review / Doble vena cava inferior detectada a través de venografía por tomografía computada y confirmada con venografía por resonancia magnética: embriogénesis y revisión de la literatura

A hospital based prospective study was conducted from July 2001 to July 2015 at the Department of Radiology, Jordan University Hospital, Amman, Jordan. During that period, five cases of double inferior vena cava (DIVC) were discovered among a cohort of 7722 patients (3861 men and 3861 women, 49.5±16.9 years, range 16­78 years). Cases were diagnosed by contrast-enhanced Spiral CT venography (CTV) and confirmed by turbo three-dimensional (3D) time-of-flight contrast-enhanced MR venography. The majority of patients 3166 (41 %) were referred for staging and follow-up of malignancy, postoperative complications 1777 (23 %), non-specific abdominal pain 1467 (19 %), preoperative assessment 849 (11 %) and trauma 463 (6 %). Magnetic resonance venography showed higher sensitivity, diagnostic accuracy and noninvasive modality for assessment of IVC map. MRV is a more useful, noninvasive modality for assessment of IVC map. DIVC is a common anomaly, its incidence in our study found to be 0.064 %. The incidence, literature review, embryogenesis, and importance of this anomaly are discussed. In addition, sample figures of relevant cases are provided.

En el Departamento de Radiología del Hospital de la Universidad de Jordania, Amman, Jordania, se llevó a cabo un estudio prospectivo entre el mes de julio de 2001 al mes de julio del 2015. Durante ese período se descubrieron cinco casos de vena cava inferior doble (VCID) en una cohorte de 7722 pacientes (3861 hombres y mujeres 3861, de 49,5 ± 16,9 años, con un rango de edad de 16-78 años). Los casos fueron diagnosticados por medio de venografía por tomografía computada espiral con contraste (TCV) y confirmados por medio de venografía por estudio tridimensional turbo. La mayoría de los pacientes (3166, 41 %) fueron remitidos para estadificación y seguimiento de tumores malignos. Se presentaron complicaciones postoperatorias en 1777 pacientes (23 %), dolor abdominal no especificado en 1467 (19 %), evaluación preoperatoria en 849 (11 %) y traumatismo en 463 pacientes (6 %). La venografía por resonancia magnética (RMV) mostró una mayor sensibilidad, precisión diagnóstica, y resultando no invasiva para la evaluación de la vena cava inferior (VCI). RMV es una modalidad más útil, no invasiva para la evaluación de la VCI. VCID es una anomalía frecuente, encontrándose en nuestro estudio una incidencia de 0,064 %. Además se realizó una revisión de la literatura, la embriogénesis, y la importancia de esta anomalía. También, se proporcionaron cifras de muestras de los casos relevantes.

Sex-specific parameters of ascending aorta, descending aorta and pulmonary trunk by computed tomographic angiography with impact of age, hypertension, smoking and diabetes / Parámetros específicos de la parte ascendente de la aorta, parte descendente de la aorta y tronco pulmonar analizados mediante angiografía por tomografía computadorizada relacionados con el sexo, impacto de la edad, hipertensión, tabaquismo y diabetes

This study aims at establishing whether transverse diameter (TD) and cross sectional-area (CSA) of the ascending aorta (AA), descending aorta (DA) and pulmonary trunk (PT) measured by computerized tomographic angiography (CTA) altered by sex, age, hypertension, smoking and diabetes. CTA examinations of the TD and CSA of the AA, DA and PT of 100 patients aged 49.5±16.9 years (range 16­78 years) selected between January 2009 to May 2011 from those referred to Radiology Department, Jordan University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan for advanced evaluation. Measurements were made in the axial plane at the upper border of the six thoracic vertebrae. Patients were divided into three age groups. Significance of differences in parameters between age groups was calculated. Assessment ratios were considered. It was found that parameters of the three arteries were significantly larger in men than in women (P= < 0.05) and increased with age. Hypertension increased diameters of AA and DA in both genders (P= 0.001) and of PT in men (P= 0.01). Smoking significantly decreased parameters of PT in men (P= 0.01). Diabetes increased parameters of the three arteries in both genders, significantly increased parameters of PT in men (P= <0.05) and parameters of DA in women (P= <0.05). It is concluded that studied parameters were larger in men and increased with age of our patients. Distinctive differences in measurements appeared in hypertensive, smokers, and diabetic patients.

El objetivo fue determinar si el sexo, edad, hipertensión, tabaquismo y la diabetes alteran el diámetro transversal (DT) y área transversal (AT) de la parte ascendente de la aorta (AA), parte descendente de la aorta (AD) y tronco pulmonar (TP), medidos por angiografía por tomografía computadorizada (ATC). Exámenes de ATC de 100 pacientes de 49,5±16,9 años (rango 16­78 años) fueron seleccionados entre enero del año 2009 a mayo del año 2011 por el Departamento de Radiología, Hospital de la Universidad de Jordania, Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad de Jordania, Amman, Jordania para una evaluación avanzada del DT y AT de la AA, AD y TP. Las mediciones se realizaron en el plano axial en el margen superior de las seis vértebras torácicas. Los pacientes fueron divididos en tres grupos según edad. Se determinó la existencia de significancia estadística de los diferentes parámetros entre los grupos etarios. La evaluación de las razones también fueron consideradas. Se encontró que los parámetros de las tres arterias fueron significativamente mayores en los hombres que en las mujeres (p= <0,05) y que aumentaron con la edad. La hipertensión aumentó los diámetros de la AA y AD en ambos sexos (p= 0,001) y del TP en los hombres (p= 0,01). En fumadores disminuyeron significativamente los parámetros del TP en los hombres (p= 0,01). La diabetes aumentó los parámetros de las tres arterias en ambos sexos. Ademas, aumentaron significativamente los parámetros del TP en los hombres (p= <0,05) y los parámetros de la AD en las mujeres (p = <0,05). Se concluye que los parámetros estudiados eran mayores en los hombres y aumentaron con la edad de nuestros pacientes. Diferencias distintivas en las mediciones aparecieron en hipertensos, fumadores y pacientes diabéticos.

Ultrasonographic assessment of splenic volume and its correlation with body parameters in a Jordanian population.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate normal linear dimensions and volume of spleen in Jordanians using ultrasonography, and to correlate splenic volume with age and body parameters: height, weight, body surface area (BSA), and body mass index (BMI). METHODS: A prospective pilot study was conducted on 205 volunteers (115 males and 90 females) not known to have any conditions likely to be associated with splenomegaly. The study was performed at the Radiology Department, Jordanian University Hospital, Amman, Jordan, between December 2013 and August 2014. All linear dimensions of spleen were measured, and splenic volume (index) was calculated using the standard prolate ellipsoid formula (length × width × depth × 0.523). The splenic volume was then analyzed with age and body parameters using the Pearson's correlation coefficient. RESULTS: The mean (± SD) splenic dimensions were 10.72±1.37 cm in length, 7.40±1.52 cm in width, 4.40±1.47 cm in depth, and 184.15±79.56 cm3 in volume. Men had larger spleens than women (p less than 0.0001). Age had no significant effect on spleen volume (r=0.11, p=0.12). There was a significant moderate positive correlation (p less than 0.0001), using Pearson's correlation coefficient, between the spleen volume, and other parameters (height, weight, BSA, and BMI), with correlation coefficients exceeding 0.3. CONCLUSION: A local reference of spleen dimensions was established with a different range of values reported previously.

Male transient hip osteoporosis: are physicians at a higher risk?

SUMMARY: Data of 17 male patients with a final diagnosis of transient osteoporosis (TO) of the hip seen at the radiology department of a university hospital over a period of 7 years were retrospectively studied. Comparison of the proportion of doctors among TO cases with that among other hip joint pathologies revealed a significant difference. PURPOSE: The objective of this study is to present clinical and radiological findings of hip TO and to assess the association of the condition with patients' occupation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data of 17 male patients with a final diagnosis of transient osteoporosis of the hip seen at the radiology department of a university hospital over a period of 7 years were retrospectively studied. RESULTS: The diagnosis of transient hip osteoporosis was in accordance with the published literature for clinical, imaging findings, and laboratory results. Among the 17 cases of male transient hip osteoporosis, 65% were physicians and 12% were commercial pilots. Comparison of the proportion of doctors among TO cases with that among other hip joint pathologies revealed a significant difference. Abnormal low hormone levels of testosterone and 25-cholicalciferol (vitamin D) were detected in three and two patients, respectively. CONCLUSION: The preponderance of physicians among patients with transient hip osteoporosis has not been previously reported. Etiological contribution of endocrine pathology and type of occupation to the causation of transient osteoporosis merits further research.

Location of the motoneurons of the mylohyoid muscle in the rat. A fluorescence and Nissl study.

OBJECTIVE: To locate the neuronal motor cells of the mylohyoid muscle and discuss their topographical organization. METHODS: The present study was conducted at the Department of Anatomy and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan between 2002 and 2003. The mylohyoid muscle in 15 albino rats was injected with 15 mliter of a retrogradely transported fluorescent material DAPI-Pr. After a survival period of 48 hours, animals were sacrificed, fixed in situ and brains harvested. The caudorostral transverse sections of the hindbrains were examined under the fluorescence microscope to detect the fluorescing cells, which were immediately photographed. Sections containing the labeled cells were charted, stained with 1% thionine and photographs obtained through light and fluorescence microscopes at different magnifications. The place and shape of all labeled cells were singled out by asset of their charted referring photographs of hindbrain sections, which display the entire motor trigeminal nucleus. RESULTS: The results showed that the fluorescent cell increase was found to occupy the rostromedial part of the ipsilateral motor trigeminal nucleus. The nucleus was large at its caudal third; the labeled cells are mainly those of the medial "subgroup". These cells are rationally distinct and lie alongside the internal loop of the facial nerve. At the middle third, most of the medial "subgroup" was found labeled. At its middle, the nucleus found was well developed, attained an appreciable size and its medial "subgroup" was somewhat distinct. Whereas, at the rostral third, the nucleus was larger, the medial group was more distinct and all cells were labeled. The medial cellular mass of the nucleus showed reduced labeled cells at the rostral end. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that the rostromedial part of the motor trigeminal nucleus represents the absolute territorial domain of the mylohyoid muscle motoneurons.

Magnetic resonance imaging of normal lumbar intervertebral foraminal height.

OBJECTIVE: To study the pattern and changes of lumbar intervertebral foraminal heights in an asymptomatic Jordanian sample relative to age, sex, level, and correlate values with midpoint vertebral and disc heights. METHODS: One hundred and fifty-three patients (87 male and 66 female) were selected during the study period. The study was carried out at the Jordan University Hospital, Amman, Jordan from June 1999 to June 2000. Parasagittal magnetic resonance images were used to measure intervertebral foraminal heights at all lumbar levels. Values were statistically analyzed and the significance of differences in the means of foraminal heights at different levels in every age group and among age groups was determined. Foraminal height indices and correlation coefficients with midpoint vertebral and disc heights were calculated. RESULTS: The study revealed that the mean foraminal height measured is 20.9 mm 1.7 with a range of 17.1-24 mm. Foraminal heights increased significantly in a craniocaudal pattern reaching a maximum at lumber (L)2/3 in females and at L3/4 in males followed by continuous significant decrease reaching their minimum at L5/sacral (S) 1. In relation to age, foraminal heights decreased significantly in females reaching their minimum in the 7th decade. In males, foraminal heights at L3/4 until L5/S1 increased significantly reaching their maximum in the 5th decade followed by significant decrease reaching their minimum in the 7th decade. Foraminal height indices remained relatively constant. A fair degree of correlation of foraminal heights with intervertebral disc heights and vertebral body heights was evident. CONCLUSION: Foraminal heights show different level and age-dependent characteristic pattern of change between asymptomatic males and females. Changes of foraminal heights seem to directly reflect changes of vertebral body heights. These changes are considered normal age-dependent changes, and are discussed under consideration of adaptation to physical activity and changing hormonal levels.

Magnetic resonance imaging of normal lumbar intervertebral foraminal height.

OBJECTIVE: To study the pattern and changes of lumbar intervertebral foraminal heights in an asymptomatic Jordanian sample relative to age, sex, level, and correlate values with midpoint vertebral and disc heights. METHODS: One hundred and fifty-three patients (87 male and 66 female) were selected during the study period. The study was carried out at the Jordan University Hospital, Amman, Jordan from June 1999 to June 2000. Parasagittal magnetic resonance images were used to measure intervertebral foraminal heights at all lumbar levels. Values were statistically analyzed and the significance of differences in the means of foraminal heights at different levels in every age group and among age groups was determined. Foraminal height indices and correlation coefficients with midpoint vertebral and disc heights were calculated. RESULTS: The study revealed that the mean foraminal height measured is 20.9 mm +/-1.7 with a range of 17.1-24 mm. Foraminal heights increased significantly in a craniocaudal pattern reaching a maximum at lumber (L)2/3 in females and at L3/4 in males followed by continuous significant decrease reaching their minimum at L5/sacral (S) 1. In relation to age, foraminal heights decreased significantly in females reaching their minimum in the 7th decade. In males, foraminal heights at L3/4 until L5/S1 increased significantly reaching their maximum in the 5th decade followed by significant decrease reaching their minimum in the 7th decade. Foraminal height indices remained relatively constant. A fair degree of correlation of foraminal heights with intervertebral disc heights and vertebral body heights was evident. CONCLUSION: Foraminal heights show different level- and age-dependent characteristic pattern of change between asymptomatic males and females. Changes of foraminal heights seem to directly reflect changes of vertebral body heights. These changes are considered normal age-dependent changes, and are discussed under consideration of adaptation to physical activity and changing hormonal levels.