Effect of clival bone growth on the localization of the abducens nerve at the petroclival region: a postmortem anatomical study.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of the clival bone pattern on the abducens nerve (AN) localization in the petroclival region between the Pediatric and Adult Groups. METHODS: This study used 12 pediatric and 17 adult heads obtained from the autopsy. The length and width of the clivus and the length of the petrosphenoidal ligaments (PSLs) were measured. The ratio of the length and width of the clivus was accepted as the clival index (CI). The localization of the AN at the petroclival region below the PSL, classified as lateral and medial, were recorded. RESULTS: The average length of the clivus was 26.92 ± 2.88 mm in the Pediatric Group, and 40.66 ± 4.17 mm in the Adult Group (p < 0.001). The average width of the clivus was 22.35 ± 2.88 mm in the Pediatric Group, and 29.96 ± 3.86 mm in the Adult Group (p < 0.001). The average value of the CI was 1.20 in the Pediatric Group and 1.36 in the Adult Group (p = 0.003). The length of the PSL was 7.0 ± 1.47 mm in the Pediatric Group and 11.05 ± 2.95 mm in the Adult Group (p < 0.001). The nerve was located below the medial side of the PSL in the Pediatric Group and below the lateral side in the Adult Group (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: The petrous apex localization of the AN in adults compared with pediatric subjects could be related to the increased growth in the length of the clivus than its width.

Trends in MDMA-related mortality across four countries.

AIMS: To determine trends in 3,4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-related death rates across Australia, Finland, Portugal and Turkey and to analyse the toxicology and causes of death across countries. DESIGN: Analysis of MDMA-related deaths extracted from a national coronial database in Australia (2001-19) and national forensic toxicology databases in Finland (2001-17), Portugal (2008-19) and Turkey (2007-17). Presentation of MDMA use and seizure data (market indicators). SETTING: Australia, Finland, Portugal and Turkey. CASES: All deaths in which MDMA was considered by the forensic pathologist to be contributory to death. MEASUREMENTS: Information collected on cause and circumstances of death, demographics and toxicology. FINDINGS: A total of 1400 MDMA-related deaths were identified in Turkey, 507 in Australia, 100 in Finland and 45 in Portugal. The median age ranged from 24 to 27.5 years, and males represented between 81 and 94% of the deaths across countries. Standardized mortality rates significantly increased across all four countries from 2011 to 2017 during a period of increased purity and availability of MDMA. The underlying cause of death was predominantly due to drug toxicity in Australia (n = 309, 61%), Finland (n = 70, 70%) and Turkey (n = 840, 60%) and other causes in Portugal (n = 25, 56%). Minorities of all deaths across the countries were due to MDMA toxicity alone (13-25%). These deaths had a significantly higher blood MDMA concentration than multiple drug toxicity deaths in Australia, Finland and Turkey. Drugs other than MDMA commonly detected were stimulants (including cocaine, amphetamine and methamphetamine) (Australia 52% and Finland 61%) and alcohol (Australia 46% and Portugal 49%). In addition to MDMA toxicity, benzodiazepines (81%) and opioids (64%) were commonly identified in these deaths in Finland. In comparison, synthetic cannabinoids (15%) and cannabis (33%) were present in a minority of deaths in Turkey. CONCLUSIONS: Deaths related to 3,4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) increased in Australia, Finland, Portugal and Turkey between 2011 and 2017. Findings show MDMA toxicity alone can be fatal, but multiple drug toxicity remains more prevalent.

Evaluation of fatal diving accidents in Turkey

In any kind of diving there is a risk of accidents, as the move from the topside environment to underwater can affect a diver's physiological and psychological condition. It is important to investigate dive accidents to clarify the causative factors and determine preventive measures. In this study, autopsy files of fatal dive accident cases were reviewed to evaluate demographic data, type of diving, purpose of dive, seasonal distribution, autopsy findings, and causes of death. We reviewed 56 fatal dive accident files from autopsy units in cities where dive activities are concentrated and from the archive of the Turkish Underwater Federation. Four cases were excluded from the study since we were unable to obtain autopsy reports. Of 52 cases there were 20 scuba divers, two surface-supplied divers and 30 breath-hold divers. The majority of cases involved males (94%). The average age of 50 cases was 38.6; age estimation for two cases could not be determined due to advanced putrefaction. Of these fatal dive accidents 75% took place over a period of six months between May and October. Drowning was recorded as the primary cause of death in these cases. X-ray imaging was used in four (8%) cases. A special autopsy technique was used for nine (17%) cases, to detect possible pulmonary barotrauma and arterial gas embolism. The forensic specialist who is planning to conduct the autopsy for a dive fatality should have knowledge and experience about dive physics and physiology as well as physiopathology of dysbaric injuries.

Location of Needle Tips on Plexus Brachialis in Different Supraclavicular Block Techniques: A Cadaver Study.

OBJECTIVE: The present study was performed on cadavers to evaluate the efficacy of the different supraclavicular block techniques (Vongvises, Dalens, plumb-bob and inter-SCM) by investigating the location of the needle tip on the brachial plexus and to determine the most suitable block techniques according to the site of the surgery. METHODS: The study was performed on one embalmed and nine fresh cadavers. After the dissection, the skin of the cadavers was restored in its original position. Then, they are positioned, and the needle was inserted according to the technique described by the authors in the original articles. The distances between the needle tip and the three trunks were measured, and the location of the needle tip on the brachial plexus was determined. RESULTS: A significant difference in the proximity of the needle tip to the middle of the middle truncus was noted only in the inter-SCM technique compared with the Dalens technique at both sides (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: In our study, the distance between the needle tip and truncus medius was the shortest in the plumb-bob technique at both sides. Both in the plumb-bob and inter-SCM techniques, the distribution of the needle tip over the trunci of the plexus brachialis was homogenous. In Dalens technique, the needle tip reached the truncus superior or between the truncus superior and n. suprascapularis in 95% of the cases. Further, we concluded that moving the insertion point approximately 1 cm caudal and maintaining the anteroposterior needle direction in the Vongvises technique would result in a successful brachial plexus block.

Coincidence of Nicolau Syndrome and Rhabdomyolysis: Report of a Forensic Autopsy Case and Review of the Literature.

Nicolau syndrome (NS) is a dermatological adverse reaction of intramuscular injections and is caused by several mechanisms. The etiopathogenesis remains unclear, and several hypotheses have suggested a vascular origin. Rhabdomyolysis (RM) is the destruction of striated muscle, with the subsequent release of muscle cell contents into circulation. NS and RM diagnoses may overlap. Herein, we present the autopsy findings of a 40-year-old female with NS complicated with RM. On clinical follow-up, creatine kinase (CK) was 7146 IU/L, and urea and creatinine levels were elevated on the third day after intramuscular diclofenac injection. Possible ischemic process triggered the RM and subsequent acute renal failure. The opportunity for an early diagnosis was missed because the patient delayed seeking medical aid. The prognosis worsened, and the patient died due to secondary sepsis. Early diagnosis of NS before the occurrence of complications is the most important issue in patient education and can be life-saving.

Colchicine-Induced Rhabdomyolysis: An Autopsy Case.

Colchicine is derived from Colchicum autumnale and Gloriosa superba and is used to treat acute gout and familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). Musculoskeletal adverse effects range from myopathy to rhabdomyolysis. An 18-year-old woman, with a 2-year history of FMF treated with colchicine, took 9 colchicine pills (4.5 mg) to relieve severe abdominal pain. On the sixth day of hospitalization, the patient's condition worsened, and she died. As this was a case of fatal poisoning, a forensic autopsy was performed, and the cause of death was determined to be complications of muscle destruction due to colchicine intoxication with the findings of myocytolysis, positive antimyoglobin antibody staining kidney tubules. Colchicine toxicity begins with gastrointestinal symptoms. Multiorgan effects follow the gastrointestinal effects. Serious outcomes of colchicine toxicity are rhabdomyolysis, bone marrow suppression, and disseminated intravascular coagulation. In chronic diseases that require lifelong treatment with medications, adverse effects can arise with long periods of use. Our patient had been treated for FMF with colchicine for 2 years but took too many colchicine pills to relieve her severe abdominal pain. Warning patients about the effects of high doses of drugs and providing information about their toxic effects and what to do "in case" of overuse could be lifesaving.

[Widespread mesenteric venous thrombosis and cirrhosis diagnosed with autopsy]. / Otopsi ile tanisi konulan yaygin mezenter ven trombozu ve siroz.

Mesenteric venous thrombosis is a rare disorder with a high mortality rate. Since patients remain asymptomatic, diagnosis of the disease is difficult. Diagnosis can be mainly made with either laparotomy or autopsy. Many factors are considered in the etiology of mesenteric venous thrombosis. Liver cirrhosis and chronic pyelonephritis, which we detected in the autopsy and histologic examination of our case, are considered as two of the factors. In our study, it was aimed to present a case with near-total intestinal necrosis caused by portal vein thrombosis which spread to the lineal vein, pancreatic vein and to the branches of superior mesenteric veins.

Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection: Report of 3 Cases and Literature Review Hormonal, Autoimmune, Morphological Factors.

The number of cases with spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is considered to be being underestimated because of a large amount of SCAD leading to sudden death without previous diagnosis. Besides, not only in clinics but also in autopsy practice, correct diagnosis of SCAD is important to prevent forensic malpractice.The article is intended to discuss the pathological findings through the forensic point of view for improving the malpractice expertise in scope of clinicians' timely antemortem diagnosis according to risk factors and in scope of forensic pathologists' the cause of death determination ability according to macroscopical and microscopical findings of the autopsy.In 3 cases reported, the main characteristics were the female sex, pregnancy history and a sudden death without any trauma. However, although there are many women giving birth or using oral contraceptives, only some of them are facing with SCAD. This suggests the possibility of some hereditary factors, whereas hereditary characteristics may be understood in many different ways like hormone-releasing regulating mechanisms as well as immunity, morphology, or any other mechanism. For instance, autoimmunity has been also a hereditary underlying factor for vessel injury considered in presented cases.

Spinal nerve root compositions of musculocutaneous nerve: an anatomical study.

AIM: This study was aimed to investigate the variations in the spinal nerve root compositions of musculocutaneous nerve and to confirm which spinal nerve root is the main ingredient in participating amount. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 20 fresh cadavers were dissected. Brachial plexus and its branches were extracted. Musculocutaneous nerve stump was traced back to the roots to identify its fascicular origin. The number of fascicles originating from a particular nerve root and their axial location with in the nerve were noted. RESULTS: The most frequent type of spinal nerve compositions of musculocutaneous nerve was C5, C6, and C7 with incidence of 60%. Musculocutaneous nerve had bundles from C5 root in all specimens, 90% of the specimens had contribution from C6 and only 70% of them had bundles from C7 root. There were a total of 46 (37.7%) bundles in C5 fascicles, 48 (39.3%) bundles in C6 fascicles, and 28 (22.9%) bundles in C7 fascicles. CONCLUSIONS: In electrophysiological studies it should be remembered that C7 or C6 lesions may not impair musculocutaneous nerve functions. The success of musculocutaneous nerve neurotization may be improved if care is taken to ensure whether or not C7 root is contributing to the musculocutaneous nerve.

Assessment of cricopharyngeal muscle aging with apoptotic markers.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to evaluate histochemical markers of apoptosis in the cricopharyngeus muscle, which is the gatekeeper of the pharyngoesophageal region during the swallowing process; to investigate the effects of primary aging on this muscle; and to determine whether a relationship exists with gastroesophageal reflux disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 30 fresh cadavers with a time of death of 12 hours or less obtained from the Turkish Ministry of Justice Forensic Medicine Unit. All cadavers were dissected with routine postmortem skin incisions to extract specimens from the cricopharyngeus muscle and the esophagocardiac junction mucosa. Muscle degeneration and primary aging were demonstrated by immunodetection of Bax, Bcl-2, and Caspase-3 proteins as markers of the apoptosis. Esophageal specimens were examined for the presence of reflux esophagitis. RESULTS: The mean age was 41.5 (14-74) years, and the study included 18 male and 9 female cadavers. Three of them were excluded because of fixation artifacts. The mean Bax, Bcl-2, and Caspase scores showed no statistically significant relationship with age (P = 0.94). The right and left sides of the muscle were investigated separately, and the Bax scores of the right side of the cricopharyngeus muscle showed a statistically significant decrease with age (P = 0.026), whereas the Bax and Bcl-2 scores were increased with age (P = 0.035 and 0.049, respectively) on the left side. Evaluation of the 23 esophagus specimens revealed 10 cases of esophagitis. No relationship was found between the mean of each apoptotic marker and esophagitis. CONCLUSIONS: It is histopathologically not possible to demonstrate muscle death due to either primary aging or reflux. This might be attributable to the defensive capability of this unique muscle to maintain the feeding process.

The selective odontoidectomy: endoscopic endonasal approach to the craniocervical junction.

OBJECTIVE: The resection of the odontoid process via an extended endoscopic endonasal approach has been recently proposed as an alternative to the microscopic transoral method. We aimed to delineate a minimally invasive endoscopic transnasal odontoidectomy and to describe the endoscopic anatomy of the anterior craniovertebral junction (CVJ). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The anterior CVJ of 14 fresh adult cadavers were selectively accessed via a binostril endoscopic endonasal approach using 0- and 30-degree endoscopes. RESULTS: The nasopharynx was widely exposed without removing any of the turbinates and without performing a sphenoidotomy. Occipital condyles and lateral masses of the C1 vertebra have been exposed inferiorly at lateral margins of the exposure, in addition to the foramen lacerum, which came into view at the superolateral corner of the operative field. The anterior arch of C1 and the upper 1.5 cm of the odontoid process of C2 have been removed via a minimally invasive endoscopic transnasal approach in all dissections. CONCLUSIONS: We propose the selective odontoidectomy as a minimally invasive method for the endoscopic endonasal removal of the odontoid process. By using this approach, turbinates and the sphenoid sinus remain unharmed. In addition, this approach may be used in exposing pathologies situated laterally at the anterior CVJ, such as the lateral masses of atlas and occipital condyles.

Microsurgical anatomy of the cisternal anterior choroidal artery with special emphasis on the preoptic and postoptic subdivisions.

OBJECT: The object of this study was to delineate the microsurgical anatomy of the cisternal segment of the anterior choroidal artery (AChA). The authors also propose a new classification of this segment on the basis of its complicated course within the carotid and crural cisterns in relation to important neurovascular structures, and the site of origin, course, and areas of supply of perforating arteries. METHODS: Thirty cadaveric cerebral hemispheres injected with colored latex were dissected under surgical magnification to view the cisternal segment of the AChA and its perforators. Fiber dissections using the Klingler technique were performed in two additional latex injected hemispheres to follow the penetration points, courses, and terminal areas of supply of perforating branches that arise from the cisternal segment of the AChA. RESULTS: The cisternal segment of the AChA was divided into pre- and postoptic parts that meet at the artery's genu, the most medial extension point of the cisternal segment where the artery makes an abrupt turn after passing under the optic tract. The preoptic part of the AChA extended from its origin at the inferomedial side of the internal carotid artery to the artery's genu, which is commonly located just inferomedial to the initial part of the optic tract. The postoptic part coursed within the crural cistern and extended from the genu to the inferior choroidal point. The genu of the AChA was 8 mm medial to the artery's origin and was located medial to the optic tract in 13% of the hemispheres. The postoptic part was longer than the preoptic part in all hemispheres and had more perforating arteries supplying critical deep structures (preoptic 3.4 per hemisphere vs postoptic 4.6 per hemisphere), and these results were statistically significant (p = 0.01). At the preoptic part, perforating arteries arose from the superolateral portion of the artery and coursed laterally; at the postoptic part, perforators arose from the inferomedial portion of the artery and coursed medially. Perforating arteries from both segments passed most commonly to the optic tract, followed by the anterior segment and apex of uncus in the preoptic part and the cerebral peduncle in the postoptic part. CONCLUSIONS: Both parts of the cisternal segment of the AChA come into surgical view during surgeries for different pathologies in and around the perimesencephalic cisterns. However, attending to the artery's genu and defining pre- and postoptic parts during surgery may help the surgeon locate the origin and eventual course of these perforators, and even estimate the terminal areas of supply of most of the perforating arteries. The proposed classification system can prove helpful in planning any operative procedure along the crural cistern and may reduce the probability of inadvertent injury to perforating branches of the cisternal segment.

Prevalence of sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus as a silent disease.

PURPOSE: The aim of this research was to determine the prevalence of sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus disease (SPSD) based on clinical examination and histopathological evaluation. METHODS: Between January 1, 2010 and December 30, 2010, 432 corpses were evaluated in the Istanbul Central Office of Forensic Medicine Institute of the Turkish Ministry of Health. RESULTS: 41 of the 432 cases (9.4 %) had SPSD-related findings. 20 (4.6 %) had at least one sinus tract (clinical SPSD) and all of them had at least three positive histopathologic parameters. 16 of 41 cases (3.7 %) were clinically normal but had at least three positive histopathologic parameters (silent SPSD). CONCLUSION: Prevalence of SPSD with clinical examination is 4.6 %. These data are according to the literature. But with inclusion of the silent cases, the prevalence rate increases to 8.3 %. We conclude that inflammatory process does not result in SPSD in nearly half of the cases.

Guidelines for extended lymphadenectomy in gastric cancer: a prospective comparative study.

AIMS: To assess the efficacy of extended lymph node dissection in gastric cancer and to identify factors affecting lymph node detection. METHODS: A prospective study of 126 gastric cancer patients was conducted. Patients eligible for curative resection received total gastrectomy and extended lymphadenectomy (D2) and paraaortic lymph node sampling as the standard of care (study group). Supramesocolic total lymphadenectomy of the upper gastrointestinal tract was performed on 23 autopsy cases as a control group. RESULTS: Fifty-five gastric carcinoma patients were included in the study group. Median age was 58 years (range 31-80 years); 14 patients were female (25%), and 41 were male (75%). The median number of lymph nodes harvested from the specimen was 47 (24-95), and the median number of metastatic lymph nodes was 15 (1-71). In contrast, in the autopsy comparative group, the median number of harvested lymph nodes was 72 (50-91). The median number of stational lymph nodes excised (lymph nodes excised from stations 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, and 16) was significantly higher in the control group than in the study group (P<0.05). Lymph node detection was adversely affected by body mass index (BMI) (P<0.03). In the study group, stations 5, 12, 11, and 10 had the highest lymph node absence (LNA) (noncompliance) ratio with percentages of 53, 36, 33, and 22%, respectively. In the autopsy group, LNA (noncompliance) was not detected. CONCLUSIONS: Lymph nodes should be dissected by surgeons with sufficient technical and anatomical experience, and then examined and counted by experienced pathologists to reduce the occurrence of LNA. The results of this anatomical study can serve as a guideline to assess the success of lymph node dissection during gastric cancer surgery. Similar studies should be conducted in every country to establish national guidelines.

Microsurgical anatomy of membranous layers of the pituitary gland and the expression of extracellular matrix collagenous proteins.

BACKGROUND: There are several reports about the microanatomical and histological features of sellar and parasellar membranous structures and clinical studies about MMP proteinase as a predictive factor. However, studies on collagen contents of sellar and parasellar membranous structures are limited. We demonstrated the membranous structures surrounding the pituitary gland and defined extracellular matrix (ECM) collagenous proteins, collagen I-IV expression patterns of sellar and parasellar connective tissues. METHODS: The study was carried out on ten fresh postmortem human bodies at the Forensic Medicine Institution. Cavernous sinuses were resected with sellar structures and were stored at -80°C liquid nitrogen tanks. Medial wall of the cavernous sinus, pituitary capsule and pituitary tissue samples were obtained for RT-PCR. Opposite side specimens were used for histological and immune staining studies. Collagens I-IV were studied by immunohistochemical and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) methods. FINDINGS: The pituitary capsule and medial wall were identified as two different structures. The fibrous membrane, as the third membrane, was identified as staying whole in eight of ten specimens. Increased type IV collagen was determined in the pituitary gland, medial wall and pituitary capsule, respectively, in both RT-PCR and immunhistochemical studies. Immunhistochemical studies revealed that collagen I was strongly expressed in both the medial wall and pituitary gland. CONCLUSION: Increased type IV collagen was detected especially in pituitary tissue, the medial wall and the pituitary capsule by immune staining and RT-PCR. Type IV collagen was considered to be an important factor in the progression of adenoma and invasion.

Microsurgical and endoscopic anatomy of Liliequist's membrane and the prepontine membranes: cadaveric study and clinical implications.

BACKGROUND: Liliequist's membrane is mostly described as having a diencephalic leaf, mesencephalic leaf, and diencephalic-mesencephalic leaves in the literature. Also different descriptions of the prepontine membranes were reported. In this study, we visualized the regular structural forms of membranes without disturbing any attachments and defined infrachiasmatic and prepontine safety zones. We discussed the clinical significance of these structures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was carried out on 24 adult human cadavers at the Morgue Specialization Department of the Forensic Medicine Institution following the initial autopsy examination. Liliequist's membrane and the prepontine membranes were explored after retraction of the frontal lobes. Dissections were performed under the operative microscope. A 0- and 30-degree, 2.7-mm angled rigid endoscope (Aesculap, Tuttlingen, Germany) was advanced through the prepontine cistern from the natural holes of membranes, or small holes were opened without damaging the surrounding structures. RESULTS: The basal arachnoid membrane (BAM) continued as Liliequist's membrane (LM) without any distinct separation in all specimens. The LM coursed over the posterior clinoids and split into two leaves as the diencephalic leaf (DL) and mesencephalic leaf (ML) in 18 specimens; the medial pontomesencephalic membrane (MPMM) coursed anterolaterally as a continuation of the ML and attached to the medial surfaces of the fifth and sixth nerves, joining with the lateral pontomesencephalic membrane (LPMM), which was also a posterolateral continuation of the ML in all specimens. The medial pontomedullar membrane (MPMdM) and lateral pontomedullar membrane (LPMdM) were observed in 21 specimens. The MPMdM membrane was a continuation of the MPMM, and the LPMdM was a continuation of the LPMM in all 21 specimens. CONCLUSION: We observed that the LM is a borderless continuation of the BAM. The MPMM and LPMM split from the ML without any interruptions. The MPMdM and LPMdM were a single membrane continuing from the MPMM and LPMM. We determined infrachiasmatic and prepontine areas that can be important for inferior surgical approaches.

The perforating branches of the P1 segment of the posterior cerebral artery.

The perforating branches of the P1 segment of the posterior cerebral artery are vulnerable to injury. Because of their close proximity to the basilar artery, the vulnerability occurs especially during surgical interventions for vascular pathologies such as basilar apex aneurysms. Therefore, extensive knowledge of the microsurgical anatomy of this area is mandatory to prevent poor post-operative outcomes. We microscopically examined 28 P1 segments obtained from 14 adult fresh cadaver brains (6 silicone injected, 8 freshly examined). The P1 segments ranged between 2.8mm and 12.2mm (mean 6.8mm) in length with a mean outer diameter of 1.85 mm (range 0.8-4.5mm). All 94 thalamoperforating branches identified in 27 P1 segments (mean 3.35 branches per segment) arose from the postero-superior aspect of P1 and were the most proximally originating branch in nearly all specimens (96.4%). In addition in 28 P1s, 12 short circumflex arteries (42.8%; mean 0.42 branches per segment), 16 long circumflex arteries (57.1%; mean 0.57 branches per segment) and 10 medial posterior choroidal arteries (35.7%; mean 0.35 branches per segment) were identified and all originated from the posterior or postero-inferior surface of the P1 segment. When the P1 segment had more than one type of branch, it was the short circumflex arteries that were always more proximal in origin than the others. The medial posterior choroidal arteries were always more distal in origin. All three branches were not observed together in any of the P1 segments. The findings in this, and future, anatomical studies may help to reduce the post-surgical morbidity and mortality rates after surgery for posterior circulation aneurysms.

Review of complications due to foramen ovale puncture.

We aim to evaluate the mechanisms responsible for complications during trigeminal rhizotomy via foramen ovale puncture. Ten dry skulls and 10 skull-base specimens were investigated in the present study. In cadaveric skull-base specimens, the anatomical relationships between the foramen ovale, mandibular nerve and Gasserian ganglion and the surrounding neurovascular structures were investigated intradurally. The distance between the foramen ovale and Gasserian ganglion was measured as 6 mm. The abducent nerve, adjacent to the anterior tail of the petrolingual ligament, was observed passing along the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus. Advancement of the catheter more than 10 mm from the foramen ovale is likely to damage the internal carotid artery and the abducent nerve at the medial side of the petrolingual ligament. Thermocoagulation of the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus may damage the cranial nerves by heat, giving rise to pareses.

A quick-solidifying, coloured silicone mixture for injecting into brains for autopsy: technical report.

The injection of cadaver brains is invaluable for anatomic study, but cadavers that have been properly handled are not easy to obtain. A large number of cadavers pass through forensic departments around the world, and these cadavers could provide hundreds of research specimens, though they remain in the forensic unit for only a short time. The injection of a silicone mixture that quickly solidifies during autopsy would provide greater numbers of fresh specimens for study. The authors describe a technique for injecting a self-curing silicone mixture that can be used on autopsy specimens in a forensic unit. This technique does not interfere with routine autopsy findings. We describe the preparation of the mixture and autopsy specimens, the injection process, and the method for removing injected brains from cadavers. The solidifying process took a 1-h duration in this injection method and was in accord with autopsy procedure. The arterial bed was satisfactorily filled, and even small perforating branches and pial anastomoses were well demonstrated. Injecting autopsy specimens with the quick-solidifying silicone mixture allows anatomical studies of specimens even from cadavers admitted to forensic departments for only a short time. This method can provide neurosurgery laboratories with sufficient numbers of specimens appropriate for various studies.

Reliable surgical landmarks for the identification of the recurrent laryngeal nerve.

OBJECTIVE: To obtain reliable landmarks for identification of the recurrent laryngeal nerve in human larynges. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: This is a prospective study, analyzing the laryngeal anatomic features. Structures easily palpable on the thyroid and cricoid cartilage (ie, the most prominent portion of the inferior cornu of the thyroid cartilage [IC], the inferior tubercle of the thyroid cartilage [ITT] and the most anterior portion of the arch of the cricoid cartilage [AC]) were accepted as landmarks and the distances of these structures to the entrance point of the RLN on the medial aspect of the inferior pharyngeal constrictor muscle (cross point [CP]) were measured in 65 adult autopsies. RESULTS: When a straight line is drawn 11 to 12 millimeters (mm) from the IC, 22 to 24 mm from the ITT, and 26 to 28 mm from the AC, the point at which they intersect indicates the point at which the RLN enters the medial side of the inferior pharyngeal constrictor muscle (ICM) and is easy to locate at this point. All of the RLN were seen to lie posterolateral to the Berry ligament. Thirty-eight of 65 cases possessed extralaryngeal bifurcation of the RLN. CONCLUSION: With such constant mathematic values, these 3 landmarks are reliable markers for identification of RLN. This study is important in the fact that it states constant mathematic values regarding surgical landmarks used to expose the RLN.