The inferior intercavernous sinus : an anatomical study with application to trans-sphenoidal approaches to the pituitary gland

CITATION: Wahl, L. et al. 2020. The inferior intercavernous sinus: An anatomical study with application to trans-sphenoidal approaches to the pituitary gland. Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery, 196, doi:10.1016/j.clineuro.2020.106000.The original publication is available at https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/clinical-neurology-and-neurosurgeryObjectives: The inferior intercavernous sinus is located below the pituitary gland in the sella turcica. Its presence has been controversial among anatomists because it is not always found on radiological imaging or during cadaveric dissections; however, it is becoming a better-known structure in the neurosurgical and radiological fields, specifically with respect to transsphenoidal surgery. Therefore, the present study was performed to better elucidate this structure at the skull base. Patients and methods: Fifty adult, latex injected cadavers underwent dissection. The presence or absence of the inferior cavernous sinus was evaluated and when present, measurements of its width and length were made. Its connections with other intradural venous sinuses were also documented. Results: An inferior intercavernous sinus was identified in 26 % of specimens. In all specimens, it communicated with the left and right cavernous sinus. The average width and length were 3 mm and 9.5 mm, respectively. In the sagittal plane, the inferior intercavernous sinus was positioned anteriorly in 31 %, at the nadir of the sella turcica in 38 %, and slightly posterior to the nadir of the sella turcica in 31 %. In two specimens (15.4 %), the sinus was plexiform in its shape. In one specimen a diploic vein connected the basilar venous plexus to the inferior intercavernous sinus on its deep surface. Conclusion: An improved understanding of the variable anatomy of the inferior intercavernous sinus is important in pathological, surgical, and radiological cases.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0303846720303437?via%3DihubPublishers versio

Structural variations in the sulco-gyral pattern of the orbitofrontal cortex

Background: The orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) is composed of sulci and gyri, which form patterns that are variations of an H-shape. Three pattern types are described with the Type III pattern associated with schizophrenia and increased risk of long-term cannabis use. No studies from Africa have described the prevalence of pattern types of the OFC. The aim of the study was to determine the sulcal and gyral patterns of the OFC in a South African sample, and whether there are any significant differences in these patterns between hemispheres and sex. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 43 embalmed adult brains was undertaken. The patterns of the sulci and gyri of the OFC were investigated, and the prevalence of each pattern type determined. Differences in the prevalence between hemispheres and sex were analyzed with Chi-square tests. Results: Type I was present in 27 hemispheres (31%), Type II in 28 (33%) and Type III in 31 (36%), with no significant differences observed between hemispheres and sex for any of the pattern types. Conclusion: The Type III pattern was found to be the most prevalent in this study. The Type III pattern may result from abnormal folding of the gyrus associated with premature birth. An increased expression of Type III has been observed in patients with an increased risk of developing schizophrenia and substance abuse disorders. Further studies are needed to investigate these associations and whether Type III can be considered as a biomarker for psychiatric disorders

Teaching and learning anatomy online in South Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic

[EN] Due to the interactive nature of classic anatomy teaching and learning, great consideration and planning were necessary to deliver an effective online anatomy course. This paper describes the experiences of teaching and learning anatomy online in South Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic. An asynchronous approach was successful in delivering the course content; however, students expressed the desire to resume in-person, interactive cadaveric dissections. Anatomy course content was delivered using a variety of educational resources accounting for all learning styles and attempting to mimic a pre-pandemic setting. Although postgraduate student research timelines were disrupted, contact between research teams was maintained, allowing for projects to run through to completion. The challenges faced throughout the pandemic have shown that anatomical science is a constantly evolving discipline that requires a variety of resources.Lunn-Collier, R.; Mac Dermott, K.; Layman-Lemphane, JI.; Keet, K. (2022). Teaching and learning anatomy online in South Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic. En 8th International Conference on Higher Education Advances (HEAd'22). Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València. 1117-1124. https://doi.org/10.4995/HEAd22.2022.144561117112

Anatomical features of the iliocapsularis muscle : a dissection study

PURPOSE: Iliocapsularis (IC) overlies the anteromedial hip capsule and is an important landmark in anterior approaches to hip arthroplasty. Previously believed to be part of iliacus, few publications describe the prevalence, attachments, fibre direction, blood supply, innervation, and size of IC. This study was aimed to determine these anatomical features using embalmed bodies and whether they vary between sides, sex, and age. METHODS: Thirty-eight formalin-fixed adult bodies were dissected and the prevalence, presence of a connective tissue raphe, attachments, fibre direction, blood supply, and innervation, were documented. Length and width were measured, and significant differences were investigated with t tests. RESULTS: Iliocapsularis was present in all bodies examined, originating from the inferior border of the anterior inferior iliac spine, and inserting 20 mm distal to the lesser trochanter in 54 muscles (71%). Iliocapsularis was supplied by a thin branch from the femoral nerve and by branches of the lateral circumflex femoral and deep femoral arteries and veins. Muscle fibre direction was from superolateral to inferomedial. Mean length was 116.8 ± 11.2 mm and width was 12.8 ± 3.1 mm, with no significant differences between sides, sex, and age. CONCLUSION: This was the first study to document the venous drainage and compare the dimensions with sides, sex, and age, using adult bodies. However, the true function of IC is still unknown. Iliocapsularis is a constant muscle, distinct from iliacus, which is relevant to orthopaedic surgeons and physical rehabilitation specialists, particularly for postoperative patient care. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00276-022-02905-y