The correct anatomical representation of the crucifixion of Jesus proof via anatomical data

The crucifixion of Jesus has been a favorite subject of research throughout the centuries for historians, the­ologysts, medical doctors and artists. The objective of this study is to present a rare case in international iconography of a representation of Jesus on the cross that is anatomically correct

The current role of radiotherapy in vertebral hemangiomas without neurological signs. A case report and a review of literature

Vertebral hemangiomas (VH) are benign vascular lesions occurring in spine. They are slowly growing tumors, sometimes causing local pain in the spine and/or neurologic disorders. Though vertebral hemangiomas are frequently seen, they are rarely symptomatic. Pain is the commonest symptom. Radiotherapy has been shown effective in many studies in terms of pain relief and at times in cord compression, too. We report a case with vertebral hemangioma without neurological signs, which has been treated in the Radiation Oncology Department of AHEPA University Hospital

The deglutition and conditions affecting it

Deglutition is a very complicated neuromuscular function starting from the very first moment the man is born, providing to the organism necessary nutrients for growing and maintaining in life. It takes place in three stages (Anatomical aspects) commencing with a voluntary one and followed by other two involuntary successive reflexes coordinated from the deglutition centre in the medulla near the vegal nucleus and the respiratory centre. However, this fine function may be affected by various conditions (Clinical aspects) analysed in the text

Long term chemoradiotherapy-related dental and skeletal complications in a young female with nasopharyngeal carcinoma

We describe the long-term complications six years after chemoradiotherapy in a 20-year old woman with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. We wanted to know whether the radiation dose was constant throughout the oral cavity, and thus uniformly affecting the corresponding dental and skeletal structures. Clinical and radiologic findings are described six years after chemoradiotherapy based on a two-dimensional computerized treatment planning system. This revealed radiation caries limited only to posterior teeth, proximal caries in the anterior teeth, limited but continuous salivary flow, mild periodontal infection, mild xerostomia, and a regenerative capacity of bones and the developmental process. The quantitative assessment of radiation delivered to the mandible revealed a high radiation dose in the posterior area and a minimal dose in the anterior area. This explains the differences in caries manifestation between the anterior and posterior teeth. According to the present study, individualized radiation fields, using a two-dimensional treatment planning system, result in restriction of severe damage of the dental and skeletal structures, which usually follows chemoradiotherapy. Orthodontic treatment could be initiated according to individual patient needs

Evaluation of cardiotoxicity five years after 2D planned, non-simulated, radiation therapy for left breast cancer

Kyriaki Pistevou-Gompaki1, Apostolos Hatzitolios2, Nikos Eleftheriadis2, Evaggelos Boultoukas2, George Ntaios2, Ioannis Andronikidis2, Ioannis Tzitzikas11Department of Radiation Oncology; 2First Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA Hospital, Aristotle University, Thessaloniki, GreeceIntroduction: Radiation treatment has been associated with radiation induced cardiotoxicity, especially with older, long-outdated, techniques. Such complications include pericarditis, myocardial fibrosis, valvular injury, ischemic heart disease, and myocardial infarction.Aim: To assess the effect of outdated breast radiation therapy (RT) – using a diagnostic CT scanner in the absence of a CT simulator – on cardiac function in women with stage II left breast cancer.Patients and Methods: Sixty-two women under 65 with stage II left breast cancer who received post-operative RT using a diagnostic computed tomography scanner were studied between 1997 and 2001. Participants underwent a clinical interview, ECG, and echocardiography before and 6 months and 5 years after RT.Results: There was no serious cardiotoxicity at 6 months and 5 years after radiotherapy. A 23% increase in hypertensive patients, and a slight decrease (2.3%) in ejection fraction was observed after 5 years, with 3 patients (5%) developing abnormalities. Two patients presented abnormal electrocardiographic findings within 6 months of RT.Conclusion: Our study showed that RT for left breast cancer was not associated with significant alteration in heart morbidity or mortality within 5 years of treatment, despite the lack of a simulator.Keywords: radiotherapy, breast cancer, cardiotoxicity, acute myocardial infraction, ischemic heart diseas