The origin and relations of the anterior choroidal artery: an anatomical study

There has recently been an increase in surgical interventions to the inferior temporal lobe. The aim of the present study is to examine the anatomical structure and relations of the anterior choroidal artery, which extends to this region. A mixture of latex and ink was injected into the internal carotid and basilar arteries of 15 brains from fresh cadavers. In 18 out of 30 cases (60%) the anterior choroidal artery arose from the posteroinferior aspect of the internal carotid artery, in 8 (22.2%) from the posterolateral aspect and in 4 (2%) from its anterior part. The diameter of the anterior choroidal artery was 0.94 mm on average (0.7-1.2) and the average distance from the posterior communicating artery was 5.3 mm (3.8-8 mm); its distance to the bifurcation of the carotid was found to be 4.0 mm on average (2.2-8 mm). The cisternal segment of the anterior choroidal artery and the optic tract formed a neurovascular bundle. The branches arising from the plexal segment supply the lateral geniculate body, the thalamus and the optic tract. The resulting knowledge of the neurovascular relations of the anterior choroidal artery provides a safe surgical approach to the inferior temporal lobe

Cadaver analysis of thoracic outlet anomalies

Background: This study aims to determinate the rate of thoracic outlet anomalies by means of analysis of cadavers.Methods: Supraclavicular incisions were applied by two anatomists and two thoracic surgeons in the thoracocervicoaxillary region of both extremities (n=40) in twenty cadavers (7 females, 13 males; mean age 46). The formation and type of fibrous bands, cervical ribs, C7 long transverse processes and anomalies of the clavicles, scalenus anterior and scalenus medius muscles, brachial plexus, subclavian arteries and veins were evaluated. The type and formation of fibrous bands were classified using Roos' classification.Results: Anomalies were found in 34 (85%) of extremities. The type 3-band was most frequently (15%) observed and all of them were on the right extremity. The type 4-band was rarely seen (2.5%). Two bands (type 9 and type 11) in the same extremity were notified in one cadaver. (2.5%). The occurrence rate of cervical rib and C7 long transverse process was 10%. Some fibers of m. scalenus medius emerged from a cervical rib in one extremity (2.5%). The arteria subclavia anterior passed through the scalene muscle in three extremities (7.5%). In 10% of extremities the C5 truncus passing through the anterior scalene muscle and upper truncus of brachial plexus passing anterior scalene muscle via perforation was found in 7.5% of patients.Conclusion: In our population, brachial plexus and subclavian artery variations are frequently observed. Therefore these types of anomalies should be taken into consideration to prevent morbidity and complications when muscle division or blockage applications are performed

Cadaver analysis of thoracic outlet anomalies

Background: This study aims to determinate the rate of thoracic outlet anomalies by means of analysis of cadavers.Methods: Supraclavicular incisions were applied by two anatomists and two thoracic surgeons in the thoracocervicoaxillary region of both extremities (n=40) in twenty cadavers (7 females, 13 males; mean age 46). The formation and type of fibrous bands, cervical ribs, C7 long transverse processes and anomalies of the clavicles, scalenus anterior and scalenus medius muscles, brachial plexus, subclavian arteries and veins were evaluated. The type and formation of fibrous bands were classified using Roos' classification.Results: Anomalies were found in 34 (85%) of extremities. The type 3-band was most frequently (15%) observed and all of them were on the right extremity. The type 4-band was rarely seen (2.5%). Two bands (type 9 and type 11) in the same extremity were notified in one cadaver. (2.5%). The occurrence rate of cervical rib and C7 long transverse process was 10%. Some fibers of m. scalenus medius emerged from a cervical rib in one extremity (2.5%). The arteria subclavia anterior passed through the scalene muscle in three extremities (7.5%). In 10% of extremities the C5 truncus passing through the anterior scalene muscle and upper truncus of brachial plexus passing anterior scalene muscle via perforation was found in 7.5% of patients.Conclusion: In our population, brachial plexus and subclavian artery variations are frequently observed. Therefore these types of anomalies should be taken into consideration to prevent morbidity and complications when muscle division or blockage applications are performed