Update on the Notochord Including its Embryology, Molecular Development, and Pathology: A Primer for the Clinician.

The notochord is a rod-like embryological structure, which plays a vital role in the development of the vertebrate. Though embryological, remnants of this structure have been observed in the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral discs of normal adults. Pathologically, these remnants can give rise to slow-growing and recurrent notochord-derived tumors called chordomas. Using standard search engines, the literature was reviewed regarding the anatomy, embryology, molecular development, and pathology of the human notochord. Clinicians who interpret imaging or treat patients with pathologies linked to the notochord should have a good working knowledge of its development and pathology

Transient global amnesia: Minor inconvenience or early warning sign?

Transient global amnesia (TGA) is a clinical diagnosis and is often a diagnosis of exclusion. However, despite the benign nature of this condition, it has been associated with underlying life-threatening medical conditions (e.g., myocardial infarction, dissecting aortic aneurysm, arrhythmias). Our case report highlights the importance of early recognition of those with cardiovascular risk factors who present with acute onset altered mental status to look for underlying medical comorbidities. Keywords: Transient global amnesia, Myocardial infarction, Sympathetic surg

Usher Parsons (1788-1868) and His 19th-Century Understanding and Surgical Treatment of Spinal Curvatures.

Usher Parsons was a prominent surgeon in the 19th century. However, his contributions to the understanding and treatment of spinal curvatures have been largely forgotten. Herein, we review Parsons\u27 theories, understanding, and treatment strategies for treating abnormal spinal curvatures. This glimpse into history offers insight into the thought processes and surgical strategies that were available in the early 19th century. It is pioneers in this field, such as Usher Parsons, on which our current understanding of spinal curvatures and its treatment is built

Gerbode defect: A comprehensive review of its history, anatomy, embryology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment

The purpose of this paper is to survey the literature on Gerbode defect and provide an overview of its history, anatomy, development, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment options. The available literature on this topic, including case reports, was thoroughly reviewed. Gerbode defect is defined as abnormal shunting between the left ventricle and right atrium resulting from either a congenital defect or prior cardiac insults. The pathophysiology underlying the development of Gerbode defect is a disease process that injures the atrioventricular septum and leads to the abnormal shunting of blood. Although the most prevalent cause of Gerbode defect has historically been congenital, an increasing trend towards acquired cases has recently been reported owing to improved diagnostic capabilities and a greater number of invasive cardiac procedures. In conclusion, Gerbode defect is an increasingly recognized condition that warrants further study