The ultrasound fusion imaging (UFI) system is a new promising imaging modality that combines live ultrasound investigations with preregistered CT, MRI, or PET images. In this study, we want to present our initial experience with the new method that combines the transcranial color-coded sonography (TCCS) in different insonation planes and the 3T-weighted MRI cerebral images. The study validates the diagnostic capabilities of the system to detect different normal cerebral structures in healthy volunteers. In the present paper, we also discuss the advantages of US fusion imaging technology and its clinical applications in Neurology.
Background: The brachial plexus is the primary nerve source for the upper limb. Variations in its anatomy can alter the nerve supply to the upper extremity. Such deviations are clinically important, as they can change the symptomatology of various pathologic conditions, leading to misdiagnosis, inadequate treatment, and surgical failures as a consequence. Materials and Methods: The upper limbs of 16 human cadavers (32 extremities) were dissected at the Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Medical University–Plovdiv, Bulgaria. Eight cadavers were male and eight female, with age ranging 40–95 years (mean age: 72.63 years). Results: Three variations (18.8%) were identified unilaterally, exclusively in male cadavers; however, no statistically significant sex‐based distribution was observed. The first variation involved a communicating branch between the musculocutaneous nerve and median nerve. The second was a high bifurcation of the radial nerve in the axillary fossa into two divisions. The third one was a communicating branch between the axillary nerve and the radial nerve, forming a loop beneath the subscapular artery. Conclusion: Our study identified greater variability in the branches of the posterior cord compared to the existing literature. These variations must be taken under clinical consideration to prevent diagnostic, therapeutic, and surgical errors.
Introduction: A number of derived quantities (called dental indices) that characterize the shape and size of the teeth are calculated between the absolute dimensions of the teeth (mesiodistal, vestibulo-oral, and height of the dental crown). Aim: The aim of the present study was to explore the degree of sexual dimorphism in dental indices in the Bulgarian population. Materials and methods: The study included 232 Bulgarians aged 20–40. The vestibulo-oral and mesiodistal dimensions of the teeth were measured. The crown module and crown index were calculated. Results: We found that male Bulgarians had a significantly greater crown module of the upper canines, first premolars, molars, and second molars than females. The crown module of the lower molars was found to be similar in this respect. The crown module of the lower lateral incisors also revealed statistically significant differences, although in females it had higher values. Only the upper and lower canines and upper molars displayed sexual dimorphism according to the crown index, and women’s mean values were higher than men’s were. Conclusions: Our results suggest that some of the dental indices in the Bulgarian population were sexually dimorphic, which may contribute to defining sex.
The maxillary sinus plays a crucial role in the pathology and surgical management of the maxillofacial region due to its anatomical complexity and variations. This cadaveric study aimed to analyze the dimensions, volume, presence, and height of maxillary sinus septa to provide essential data for surgical applications in oral and maxillofacial procedures. The study was conducted on 31 hemi-head cadaveric specimens obtained from the Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology at the Medical University of Plovdiv, Bulgaria. The maxillary sinus was evaluated for its dimensions, volume, and the presence and height of septa. Sinus volume was determined by direct filling with a PVP/PVA copolymer gel. The results demonstrated significant variations in sinus dimensions, with average values recorded as height (24.05 ± 6.3 mm), antero-posterior dimension (28.65 ± 7.2 mm), medio-lateral dimension (20.08 ± 5.04 mm), and volume (11.63 ± 3.98 cm³). The study also identified maxillary sinus septa in 35.5% of cases, with an average height of 4.49 ± 1.75 mm, highlighting their potential impact on surgical interventions such as sinus augmentation and endoscopic sinus surgery. The findings underscore the necessity of preoperative assessment of maxillary sinus morphology to optimize surgical planning and reduce complications related to dental implant placement and sinus lift procedures. This research provides valuable anatomical data that can enhance the accuracy of maxillary sinus interventions and contribute to improved clinical outcomes in oral and maxillofacial surgery.
Rationale: The common embryologic neural origin of the ectoderm includes the epidermal layer of the skin and the amelodentinal components of the teeth which can result in numerous diseases damaging both skin and dentition. Three main dental abnormalities were described as a consequence of congenital syphilis: Hutchinson incisors, bud molars, and mulberry molars which usually affect all permanent first molars. Patient concerns: As far as we know, this case is the first reported for mulberry second molar in a non-syphilitic patient. Ten projections globular in shape were presented on the occlusal surface of the second mandibular molar. Diagnoses: The findings were characteristic for mulberry molars and therefore diagnosed as mulberry molars. Interventions and outcomes: No prosthetic treatment was conducted, just topical fluoride application was performed, and periodic observations were scheduled. Lessons: It is recommended that gynecologists and pediatricians should be provided with additional information about the local and systemic factors that can lead to developmental diseases of the teeth.
Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate how type 1 diabetes mellitus affects adult Bulgarians’ body composition. Materials and methods: One hundred and twenty patients (60 men and 60 women) aged 20 to 40 years, as well as 80 healthy men and women, were enrolled in the study. Bioelectrical impedance indicators: body fat tissue percentage (%BFT), total body water percentage (%TBW), visceral fat tissue (VFT), muscle mass (MM), and bone mass (BM) and derived indicators: total fat mass (TFM), active body mass (ABM), active body mass percentage (%ABM), ABM index (ABMI), and BMI were defined. Results: The mean values of %BFT, VFT, TFM, and BMI were significantly higher in the female patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus while the mean values of %TBW, %ABM, and ABMI were significantly higher in healthy women. The mean values of VFM and ABMI were significantly higher in the male patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus while the mean values of MM and ABM were significantly higher in healthy men. Bioelectrical impedance analysis of the body composition in Bulgarian female patients exhibited an increase in the accumulation of adipose connective tissue both generally and viscerally. The total body water percentage in the female patients was significantly lower than in the healthy controls. The body composition of Bulgarian male patients exhibited an increase in the accumulation of visceral adipose tissue only. The skeletal muscle tissue in male patients exhibited a decrease in comparison to healthy men. Conclusion: We believe that these findings are consequence of the impact of type 1 diabetes mellitus on the body composition in Bulgarian patients.