Morphometric features of the thyroid gland: a cadaveric study of Turkish people

Background: Although racial and ethnic variations in the morphology of anatomical structures are defined well, the size, shape, and weight of the thyroid gland have not previously been reported in Turkish people. This study provides data about the morphometric features of the thyroid gland, thyroid lobes, and pyramidal lobe, and highlights some anatomical variations in people from the Marmara region in Turkey. Material and methods: The material for the present study consisted of thyroid glands obtained from 75 male and 15 female adult cadavers aged between 18 and 80 years. A dissection was carried out and the thyroid glands were exposed. The glands were weighed and measured according to the various age groups of the patients. Results: A pyramidal lobe was found to be present in 57.8% of the cadavers (52/90). During midline dissection of the neck 2 males out of 90 cadavers, giving an incidence of 2.22%, did not show an isthmus. The mean thyroid weight was 26.11 ± 8.14 g. In males it was 26.93 ± 7.96 g while in females it was 21.93 ± 7.98 g. Conclusions: This is the first reported morphometric study on cadaveric thyroid glands from Turkey and it highlights individual and ethnic/racial variations. In order to perform safe and effective surgery and for the accurate diagnosis of thyroid disorders, knowledge of normal anatomy and the variations of the thyroid gland are essential. (Folia Morphol 2011; 70, 2: 103–108

AGE RELATED HISTOPATHOLOGICAL CHANGES IN CARDIAC CONDUCTING SYSTEM IN TURKISH POPULATION: EVALUATION OF 202 AUTOPSY CASES

Background: Histopathological features of cardiac conducting system (CCS) in Turkish population have not been investigated previously.Methods: We examined CCS of 202 autopsy heart specimens dissected between the years 2004-2005 in Bursa Forensic Medicine Institution. Of the 202 cases from all age groups, 154 were males and 48 were females. Results: In our cases increase in fibrous and adipose tissue concordant with age, indicating an age related nature, were detected. Fibrous and fatty tissue infiltration appeared at the age of 35. Fatty infiltration started at the age between 20 and 34 at sinoatrial node. In 4 cases calcification and in 19 cases inflammation was observed. Amyloid accumulation was not present. In 7 cases myocardial infarction not involving CCS was seen. In 1 case fibroelastoma was detected. Conclusions: In Turkish population age related fibrosis and fatty infiltration in CCS appeared at the age of 35 and increased with age. Fatty infiltration in sinoatrial node started at a younger age than that of reported in the literature. In cases whom the cause of death could not be determined we could not detect lethal pathologic features. However we think that examination of the CCS will improve the quality of autopsy diagnosis

Age-related histopathological changes in the cardiac conducting system in the Turkish population: an evaluation of 202 autopsy cases

Background: Histopathological features of the cardiac conducting system (CCS) in the Turkish population have not been investigated previously

The importance of hemosiderin deposition in the infant brain: an autopsy study

Background/aim: Iron is an essential element involved in many metabolic processes. Presence and accumulation of iron in various body systems can result in different outcomes. Its accumulation in the central nervous system (CNS) cannot be detected routinely by application of hematoxylin-eosin staining. Detection of the presence of hemosiderin in the brain and cerebellum by application of Perls' dye is of importance in cases of infant deaths