Anatomical variations of human vertebral and basilar arteries: A current review of the literature.

The vertebral artery originates from the subclavian artery and is divided into four segments (V1-V4). In its intracranial segment (V4), the two vertebral arteries join to form the basilar artery, an unpaired medium-sized artery. However, apart from this typical description, several anatomical variations may occur in the human body. Although in some cases such variations may be asymptomatic, they may be also associated with several pathological conditions, neurological complications, surgical complications, and increased risk of developing vascular diseases. Therefore, it is crucial to obtain sufficient information on the anatomy and variants of both arteries to prevent such complications and ensure the safe completion of surgical and radiological treatments. For this reason, we reviewed studies published up to January 2022 concerning the reported variations of the vertebral artery and basilar artery regarding their origin, course, length, and diameter. We believe that the thorough presentation of these variations would help surgeons worldwide during their daily clinical and surgical practice.

Anatomical variations of the vascular supply of the cutaneous component of the serratus anterior myocutaneous flap: a systematic review.

Although appealing from a reconstructive standpoint, the incorporation of the overlying skin in a serratus anterior muscle flap has not yet seen widespread use, due to considerations with its blood supply. In the present study, a systematic review of the literature has been performed, evaluating studies that investigated the vascular anatomy and variations of serratus anterior myocutaneous flap. The anatomy of the cutaneous blood supply, the size of the cutaneous territory, the design of the skin paddle and the reconstructive goals were analysed. The results showed that the main blood supply originates from the intramuscular anastomoses between intercostal artery perforators and the serratus artery branch in the form of choke vessels. Complementary perfusion from true intramuscular vessel anastomoses or from direct serratus artery cutaneous perforators could contribute to the skin blood supply but only in 25% of the cases. The design of the flap is elliptical with its long axis over the harvested muscle slips and maximum width is 6-8 cm. A myocutaneous serratus anterior flap could be applied in a variety of reconstructive fields, most commonly for head and neck defects. A delay procedure would considerably enhance the perfusion of the cutaneous component and improve the overall viability of the flap.

Agenesis of the coeliac trunk: a case report and review of the literature.

Vascular anatomical variations of the abdomen are very common. Awareness of these variations is of paramount importance in clinical practice mainly in achieving best results in minimal invasive or surgical vascular procedures. From surgical point of view, the preoperative knowledge of vascular anatomy and the relations to the surrounding structures and tissues aims to minimise inadvertent complications. Agenesis of the coeliac trunk is one of the rare anatomical variations of the abdominal aorta. Limited number of cases have been reported in the medical literature, most of which are based on angiographic and cadaveric studies of adult humans. In this paper, we report a case of absence of the coeliac trunk that has been detected as an incidental radiological finding in a female patient who was admitted with abdominal pain.

Case series and a systematic review concerning the level of the aortic bifurcation.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to present the level of aortic bifurcation in a sample of Greek origin (case series) and to perform an up-to-date systematic review in the existing literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-six formalin-fixed adult cadavers were dissected and studied in order to research the level of aortic bifurcation. Additionally, PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched for eligible articles concerning the level of aortic bifurcation for the period up to February 2020. RESULTS: The mean level of aortic bifurcation according to our case series was the lower third of the L4 vertebral body (21/76, 27.6%). The level of aortic bifurcation ranged between the lower third of the L3 vertebral body and the lower third of the L5 body. No statistically significant correlation was found between the two sexes. The systematic review of the literature revealed 31 articles which were considered eligible and a total number of 3537 specimens were retracted. According to the recorded findings the most common mean level of aortic bifurcation was the body of L4 vertebra (1495/3537 cases, 42.2%), while the range of aortic bifurcation was described to occur from upper third of L3 vertebrae to the upper third of the S1 vertebrae in the 52.8% of the cases (1866/3537). CONCLUSIONS: The mean level of AA corresponds to the body of L4 and presents a great range (form L3U to S1U). Knowledge of the mean level of aortic bifurcation and its probable ranges is of great significance for interventional radiologists and especially vascular surgeons that deal with aneurism proximal to the aortic bifurcation.

Anatomical variation of a trifid (trifurcation) lateral root origin of the median nerve.

Anatomic variations of the brachial plexus are common. Awareness of these variations is of paramount importance in clinical practice mainly in achieving best results in minimal invasive or surgical procedures. The aim of our study was to depict a case of a trifid lateral root origin of the medial nerve. This anatomical variation in the brachial plexus was encountered after dissection in upper extremities in a 90-year-old male cadaver.

Body donation for research and teaching purposes: the contribution of blood donation units in the progress of anatomical science.

BACKGROUND: Cadaver's dissection has a fundamental role in teaching and understanding the anatomy. Postmortem body donation (PMBD) is an important source of cadavers and provides an opportunity to carry out research or educational activities in medicine and surgery. The objective of the current study is to determine the perspectives and attitudes toward PMBD among blood donors (BLD) and elderly people. These data are fundamental to highlight the PMBD extent and individual factors that might influence PMBD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six hundred and fifty questionnaires were distributed to 500 (327 male and 173 female, mean age 39.9 ± 9.6 years) blood donors (BLD) and 150 elderly people (62 males and 88 females, mean age 74 ± 9.4 years). A specially designed self-administered questionnaire covering demographic data, knowledge and attitude of the participants concerning body donation (BD) was used. RESULTS: Concerning the perception of BD among BLD and elderly people, the most common reason for BD in both study groups was the contribution in research, while the commonest reason for hesitating about BD was the lack of information, following by personal reasons. The BLD were more likely to be interested in BD for contribution in research and personal reasons. Additionally, BLD were less likely than the elderly to hesitate about BD for religious and personal reasons and more likely to hesitate about BD for not being informed. BLD who were interested in BD for contribution in research were significantly older. Elderly people who hesitated about BD for personal reasons were significantly older. In the BLD group, those who responded that blood and body donation are the same were significantly younger, while in the elderly group - significantly older. The proportion of BLD who declared that blood and body donation is the same was significantly higher in more educated people. CONCLUSIONS: A need for well-organised and informative BD programmes is evident. Orientating the public towards this practice is of high moral and medical value, since with this important promotion the altruistic act of BD will expand globally.