Types of coeliac trunk branching including accessory hepatic arteries: a new point of view based on cadaveric study

Background: The coeliac trunk (CT) is major visceral branch of the abdominal aorta. Familiarity with anatomic variations of the CT is relevant for planning radiological and surgical procedures. The aim of our research was determining variations of the CT, including the occurrence of accessory hepatic arteries (AHA). Materials and methods: Forty cadavers were studied. Six patterns of CT branching were observed in this study. AHA were observed in 7 (17.5%) specimens. The most prevalent variation was normal trifurcation, accounting for 62.5% of cases. The rarest variation was absence of the CT, with an incidence of 2.5%. In this variant the left gastric artery, the common hepatic artery, and the splenic artery branched directly off the abdominal aorta. Results: The study material allowed to distinguish two CT branching patterns which, to the best of our knowledge, have not been reported before. It was a type with four branches originating from the CT: the left gastric artery, the common hepatic artery, the splenic artery, and right AHA. The other previously unreported pattern variant was the CT which gave off three branches: the common hepatic artery, the splenic artery and right AHA. Conclusions: The average distance between the aortic hiatus and the coeliac trunk calculated for all the cadavers amounted to 54 ± 11.85 mm. The average distance between the CT and the superior mesenteric artery was 11.1 ± 7.7 mm

Types of inferior phrenic arteries: a new point of view based on a cadaveric study

Background: The diaphragm is supplied by the superior and inferior phrenic arteries. This present study focusses on the latter. The inferior phrenic arteries (IPA) usually originate from the abdominal aorta. The two arteries have different origins, and knowledge of these is important when performing related surgical interventions and interventional radiological procedures. The aim of this study was to identify variations in the origin of the IPA and conduct relevant morphometric analyses.Materials and methods: The anatomical variations in the origins of the left inferior phrenic artery (LIPA) and the right inferior phrenic artery (RIPA) were examined in 48 cadavers fixed in 10% formalin solution. A dissection of the abdominal region of the cadavers was performed according to a pre-established protocol using traditional techniques. Morphometric measurements were then taken twice by two of the researchers.Results: In the cadavers, six types of origin were observed. In type 1, the most common type, the RIPA and LIPA originate from the abdominal aorta (AA) (14 = 29.12%). In type 2, the RIPA and the LIPA originate from the coeliac trunk (CT) (12 = 24.96%). In type 3, the RIPA and the LIPA originate from the left gastric artery, with no CT observed (3 = 6.24%). Type 4 has two subtypes: 4A, in which the LIPA originates from the AA and the RIPA originates from the CT (9 = 18.72%) and 4B, in which the RIPA originates from the AA and the LIPA originates from the CT (6 = 12.48%). In type 5, the LIPA originates from the AA and the RIPA originates from the AA (1 = 2.08%). Type 6 is characterised by the RIPA and LIPA forming a common trunk originating from the CT (3 = 6.24%). Conclusions: Our findings suggest the presence of six different types of LIPA and RIPA origin. The most common form is type 1, characterised by an IPA originating from the abdominal aorta, while the second most common is type 2, in which the IPA originates from the AA by a common trunk. The diversity of other types of origin is associated with the occurrence of coeliac trunk variation (type 3). No significant differences in RIPA diameter could be found, whereas LIPA diameter could vary significantly. No significant differences in RIPA and the LIPA diameter could be found according to sex

Morphometric profile in fetuses and evolution of Achilles tendon

Background: The Achilles tendon (AT) develops from the merge of the tendinous part of the gastrocnemius (GM) and soleus (SM) muscles. The AT is the structural base for the biomechanical work of the ankle joint. Understanding morphometry of the AT is crucial due to the tendon vulnerability to rupture and damage which requires further surgical repair and management. Despite its clinical significance, data concerns measurements of the AT in human fetuses are scare. The aim of our study was to assess the AT, GM and SM morphometry in human fetuses. Materials and methods: Thirty-seven spontaneously-aborted human fetuses (17 male, 20 female) aged 18–38 weeks of gestation were examined. The morphometry of the GM, SM and AT were evaluated. Results: No significant correlation between sex or side and size of the AT in human fetuses was observed. The only significant correlation was between sex and the length of the tendon of the SM, in 3rd trimester it was longer in male than in female. In 2nd trimester the SM muscle to tendon ratio was higher in female than in male. Conclusions: There was no significant correlation between sex or side in size of the AT in human fetuses, probably due to scant muscle load during prenatal period

Radon 222Rn in drinking water of West Pomeranian Voivodeship and Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship, Poland

Radon Rn-222 is a commonly occurring natural radionuclide found in the environment from uranium- -radium radioactive series, which is the decay product of radium Ra-226. The presence of radon carries negative health effects. It is, in fact, classifi ed as a carcinogen, and therefore, it is necessary to continuously monitor its concentration. The aim of this study was to determine the level of radon-222 concentration in water intended for human consumption in the two voivodeships of Poland: West Pomeranian and Kuyavian-Pomeranian. Measurements were performed for more than 60 intakes. The level of radon was measured by using the liquid scintillation counting method. The range of measured radon concentration in the water from the West Pomeranian Voivodeship was from 0.90 to 11.41 Bq/dm3 with an average of 5.01 Bq/dm3, while that from the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship was from 1.22 to 24.20 Bq/dm3 with an average of 4.67 Bq/dm3. Only in three water intakes, the concentration of radon-222 exceeded the value of 10 Bq/dm3. The obtained results allowed to conclude that population exposure associated with radon-222 in water is negligible and there is no need to take further action. In the case of three intakes where a higher concentration of radon was found, the potential exposure was low

Dosages of ionizing radiation during limb diagnostic X-ray examinations

Background: X-ray examination is associated with the patient’s exposure to ionizing radiation. The dose values depend on the type of the medical procedure used, the X-ray unit technical condition and exposure conditions selected by X-ray technicians. The aim of this study has been to assess the entrance surface dose (ESD) values received by patients during the limb X-ray examination. The results should help doctors in making the decision about sending patients for X-ray examination. At the same time the X-ray unit condition and examination method performance are important for the radiological protection of the medical staff. Material and Methods: The study covered the total number of 118 X-ray units located in 56 public healthcare entities and private medical centers in the Masovian Voivodeship. The measurement of the radiation dose rate received by patients was based on our own research procedures. Results: The research has found that there are even more than 10-fold differences in the dose values received by adult patients with several-fold differences in the case of children patients. The broadest dose value range for adult patients was related to femur radiography. The ESD values for this procedure ranged 70.9–765.2 μGy (with the average value of 319.7 μGy). The broadest dose value range for children was related to the knee radiography. The range for children aged 5 years old was 11.8–95.8 μGy (with the average value of 48.9 μGy). Conclusions: It is essential to immediately implement X-ray room working procedures for the purpose of performing diagnostic examinations based on the existing model procedures. Med Pr 2016;67(3):321–32