The radial nerve is the biggest branch of the posterior cord of the brachial plexus and one of its five terminal branches. Entrapment of the radial nerve at the elbow is the third most common compressive neuropathy of the upper limb after carpal tunnel and cubital tunnel syndromes. Because the incidence is relatively low and many agents can compress it along its whole course, entrapment of the radial nerve or its branches can pose a considerable clinical challenge. Several of these agents are related to normal or variant anatomy. The most common of the compressive neuropathies related to the radial nerve is the posterior interosseus nerve syndrome. Appropriate treatment requires familiarity with the anatomical traits influencing the presenting symptoms and the related prognoses. The aim of this study is to describe the compressive neuropathies of the radial nerve, emphasizing the anatomical perspective and highlighting the traps awaiting physicians evaluating these entrapments.
Pancreatitis is regarded by clinicians as one of the most complicated and clinically challenging of all disorders affecting the abdomen. It is classified on the basis of clinical, morphological, and histological criteria. Causes of acute pancreatitis can easily be identified in 75–85% of patients. The main causes of acute, recurrent acute, and chronic pancreatitis are gallstone migration and alcohol abuse. Other causes are uncommon, controversial, or unexplained. For instance, cofactors of all forms of pancreatitis are pancreas divisum and hypertriglyceridemia. Another factor that should be considered is a complication of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography acute pancreatitis. The aim of this study is to present the known risk factors for acute pancreatitis, beginning with an account of the morphology, physiology, and development of the pancreas.
Thoracic outlet syndrome is a group of disorders that affect the upper extremity and neck, resulting in compression of the neurovascular bundle that exits the thoracic outlet. Depending on the type of compressed structure, the arterial, venous, and neurogenic forms of TOS are distinguished. In some populations, e.g., in certain groups of athletes, some sources report incidence rates as high as about 80 cases per 1000 people, while in the general population, it is equal to 2–4 per 1000. Although the pathogenesis of this condition appears relatively simple, there are a very large number of overlapping risk factors that drive such a high incidence in certain risk groups. Undoubtedly, a thorough knowledge of them and their etiology is essential to estimate the risk of TOS or make a quick and accurate diagnosis.
Purpose: Morphological variations of the brachial artery are quite commonly discovered in routine dissection and have been the subject of many studies. However, there is a need for a clear classification. This work presents morphological variations of the brachial artery, based on numerous case reports and studies created for the appropriate classification and interpretation among surgeons and radiologists. It also discusses the most important clinical aspects of the given varieties. Methods: The research method is based on the combined interpretation of the researches based on numerous publications concerning both the principles of correctly classifying the described morphological variations of the brachial artery and the resulting clinical implications. This work considers atypical variations such as the presence of the superficial brachial artery, brachoradial artery, accessory brachial artery and absence of the brachial artery. Variations of the brachial artery in relation to the external and internal diameter of the vessel have also been discussed. Results: After conducting a complex analysis of the collected data, the fundamental principles for classifying such variability as superficial brachial artery, brachioradial artery and accessory brachial artery were defined. Additionally, clinical implications resulting from the above like the impact of the superficial brachial artery on the median nerve neuropathy and the positive correlation between the brachioradial artery and increased danger of incorrect transradial catheterization were demonstrated. Conclusions: The clinical implications of the atypical arterial pattern within the upper limb are crucial during the angiography and surgical procedures so the variations affect the appropriate diagnosis and surgical intervention. Hence, the knowledge about the morphological variations of the brachial artery should be constantly broadened by radiologists and surgeons to improve the accuracy and effectiveness of the treatment process.
1 November 2020 in Annals of Anatomy - Anatomischer Anzeiger