Purpose The palmaris longus (PL) muscle is characterized by high-morphological variability. It is clinically important as it is routinely harvested for the reconstruction of other tendons. The study characterizes the morphology of the PL in human fetuses and creates a new classification based on its variations that would relate to the spectrum of morphological variability in adults. Methods Eighty spontaneously aborted human foetuses (44 male, 36 female, 160 upper limbs), aged 18–38 weeks of gestation, were examined. Results The palmaris longus muscle was present in 62.5% of fetuses. The absence was bilateral in 26.25%, and unilateral in 22.5%. Nine types of palmaris longus muscles were identified based on the morphology of its insertion (Types I–IX). All types originated on the medial epicondyle of the humerus. The most common type was Type I, which was characterized by insertion to the palmar aponeurosis (52%). The rarest types were Type VII and Type IX (1% each). Type VII was characterized by partial doubling of the muscle belly, which then turned into two separate tendons that inserted together into the palmar aponeurosis. Type IX was characterized by fusion with the flexor carpi ulnaris muscle. Conclusion Our findings concerning morphological variability of the PL in fetuses present a new perspective on the understanding nature of the morphological variation of the PL muscle in adults. List of evidence Basic Science Study.

Introduction: The plantaris muscle (PM) is a small, fusiform muscle located between the gastrocnemius muscle (GM) and soleus muscle (SM). PM supports movements of the knee and ankle. This muscle presents a great variability, and also has a high clinical significance. Nevertheless, data concerns morphology and morphometry of the origin of PM in human fetuses are scarce. Material and methods Forty-seven spontaneously-aborted human fetuses (23 male, 24 female) aged 18–38 weeks of gestation were examined. The morphology and morphometry of the origin of PM were evaluated. Results: PM was present in 74 lower limbs (78.7%), and absent on 20 limbs (21.3%). We distinguished VI types of the proximal attachment of PM. Belly width and thickness, as well as thickness of the tendon and MT junction differed significantly between types of PM origin. Conclusions: We distinguished six (I–VI) types of origin of PM in human fetuses. The most common type was type Ia, characterized by an attachment to the lateral head of GM, lateral femoral condyle and to the knee joint capsule. Our results of PM anatomical variation in fetuses will pave the way for detailed comparisons with studies carried out on adult cadavers.

Knowledge of the morphological variations within the abdominal cavity is significant for all medical practitioners planning surgery. This report presents the rare origin of a common trunk for the right inferior phrenic artery, and superior and inferior suprarenal artery from the right renal artery. An accessory hepatic artery was found, which served as a branch of the right inferior phrenic artery. The diameter of the common trunk was 3.95 mm, and the diameters of the inferior and superior suprarenal arteries were 1.84 and 1.36 mm, respectively. The diameter of the right inferior phrenic artery was 2.55 mm. Both the embryological background and the potential clinical significance of this morphological variation are discussed. Knowledge of this common trunk and the occurrence of the accessory right hepatic artery may be of significance in diagnostic and surgical procedures.

Background: The mucopolysaccharidoses (MPSs) are very rare lysosomal diseases. MPSs belong to inherited diseases; however, newborns are usually asymptomatic. A deficiency of one of the enzymes, which is responsible for glycosaminoglycan (GAG) catabolism, results in the accumulation of this material. GAGs lead to progressive damage to tissues. More than 90% of patients with MPS suffer from otitis media with effusion or recurrent otitis media, craniofacial dysmorphia, obstructive sleep apnea, different types of hearing loss, and progressive upper and lower airway dysfunction. Patients visit otolaryngologists often before the diagnosis of MPS. Thus, the awareness of symptoms of MPS is crucial for otolaryngologists and pediatricians. The earlier the diagnosis is made, the more effective treatment is. Ineffective or delayed treatment leads to premature death. Two principal treatments for MPS are currently available: hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and enzyme replacement therapy (ERT). In recent years, there has been a growing interest in gene therapy as a potential treatment for patients with MPS. Mortality in patients with MPS typically occurs during childhood and early adolescence as a consequence of upper and lower respiratory diseases. Methods: This systematic review is based on papers available in the following scientific databases: MEDLINE (via PubMed), Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library. Results: After screening, 72 articles met our inclusion criteria. Conclusions: It is of paramount importance that otolaryngologists are involved in this field. This narrative review examines and synthesizes the otolaryngologic issues encountered in patients with MPS.

Knowledge of anatomical anomalies is significant for all specialists in clinical practice and may prevent serious complications following medical procedures. This report presents the rare crossed fused renal ectopia (CFRE) with atypical renal vasculature in cadaver of a 68-year-old man. The ectopic kidney was located on right side with four renal veins, three renal arteries, two ureters, where one of them is double. The embryological background, as well as the potential clinical significance of this morphological variation, is discussed. An interventional radiological and surgical procedure should be appropriately implemented to treat anomalies of vessels and CFRE.

Knowledge of vessel anomalies is significant for all specialists in clinical practice and may prevent serious complications following medical interventions. Here, the rare coexistence of a duplicated inferior vena cava (IVC) and nutcracker syndrome in a 42-year-old female patient with atypical abdominal pain is presented, using two complementary radiological techniques (colour Doppler ultrasonography and computed tomography angiography). The right renal vein was found to be compressed when passing between the superior mesenteric artery and the abdominal aorta. The lumen dimensions (width × height) of the right IVC and left IVC at the level of termination were 15.8 × 17.7 mm and 13.4 × 12.4 mm, respectively. Ultrasonography revealed low blood flow in the left IVC that was reversed, and thus blood travelled in the same caudal direction as in the aorta. In the right IVC, however, flow travelled in the cranial direction. The simultaneous existence of a duplicated IVC and nutcracker syndrome is an extremely rare vessel anomaly; nevertheless, this dual presence may result in clinical symptoms and would have an impact on medical operations and even minor medical procedures.