Classic Dissection Research Articles

A case of atlas assimilation: description of bony and soft structures

A case of atlas assimilation revealed during serial study of suboccipital region is presented. The specimen was harvested from the body of 31-year-old woman. Images of the computed tomography scans are correlated with classic dissection. Asymmetrical bony assimilation is accompanied by asymmetrical development of the suboccipital musculature. In the presented case, the atlantic segments of both vertebral arteries preserved their usual course between bony elements derived from the atlas and proatlas. Development of the soft tissues must be influenced by similar factors as development of the skeleton. Detailed radiologic studies, possibly with volumetric reconstructions, are necessary in cases of atlas assimilation before surgical interventions in the region of craniovertebral junction.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00276-013-1235-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Imaging of Thoracic Intercostal Artery Rupture during the Propagation of a Type B Acute Aortic Syndrome.

The natural history of an intramural hematoma (IMH) has not been completely defined. This is a case report of a 63-year-old woman, in whom imaging reveals intercostal artery rupture during the process of expansion of an IMH in a Type B acute aortic syndrome. This case demonstrates that intercostal artery rupture may act as a precursor for the transformation of IMH to a classical dissection. Interestingly, complete resolution of this condition is achieved through medical management.

New vascular ring connectors in surgery for intramural haematoma of the abdominal aorta progressing to rupture : case report - online article

Aortic intramural haematoma is similar to classic aortic dissection, which causes a life-threatening medical condition, and immediate diagnosis and treatment are crucial. The optimal therapy for intramural haematoma of the abdominal aorta remains controversial. Conservative medical management is usually the first choice of treatment for uncomplicated cases. Surgical intervention is usually required for complicated intramural haematomas of the abdominal aorta, including conventional open repair and endovascular treatment with stent-grafts. A new vascular ring connector that achieves a quick, blood-sealed and sutureless anastomosis has been designed for aortic dissection. We herein report a case of intramural haematoma of the abdominal aorta, progressing to rupture on day 14 after onset, which had successful aortic repair with the new vascular ring connector. The new vascular ring connector could be an alternative method for the treatment of complicated intramural haematomas of the abdominal aorta.

Fascia Lata Preservation During Inguinal Lymphadenectomy for Penile Cancer: Rationale and Outcome

To investigate local groin recurrence and morbidity associated with fascia lata preservation during inguinal lymphadenectomy (LAD) for penile carcinoma. Between January 2002 and December 2011, 201 inguinal dissections with preservation of the fascia lata were performed in 104 patients with clinical disease staged at ≤N2. The dissection boundaries were the same as those for radical inguinal LAD. All superficial inguinal nodes were removed en bloc. The cribriform fascia near the femoral canal was divided, and the deep inguinal lymph nodes were dissected. The fascia lata was completely preserved and sutured to the subcutaneous tissue. Sartorius muscle transposition was eliminated. Survival and morbidity data were retrospectively analyzed, and survival probabilities were calculated. The median operative time for unilateral inguinal LAD was 45 minutes (range, 40-60 minutes). Median follow-up was 36 months (range, 10-130 months). A mean number of 12.5 nodes were removed per groin. One patient (1%) had a recurrence outside the borders of the fascia lata after 7 months of follow-up. The 3-year disease-free survival rate was 92.1% (100% for pN0, 91.3% for pN1, 80% for pN2, and 33.3% for pN3 disease). A total of 59 complications (29.3%) occurred, including wound infection (2.5%), skin necrosis (5.5%), lymphedema (11.8%), seroma formation (1.5%), lymphocele (5%), paresthesia (3.5%), and deep venous thrombosis (0.5%). Inguinal dissections with preservation of the fascia lata for penile carcinoma patients without extranodal extension is as effective as the classic dissection technique but decreases complications related to groin dissection.

Connectivity within the primary motor cortex: a DTI tractography study

Because of the motor function of the precentral area, the connections of the primary motor cortex by white matter fiber bundles have been widely studied in diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Nevertheless, the connections within the primary motor cortex have yet to be explored. We have studied the connectivity between the different regions of the precentral gyrus in a population of subjects. Based on T1 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and on individual sulco-gyral anatomy, we defined a parcellation of the right and the left precentral gyri in 20 healthy subjects (10 right-handers; 10 left-handers). This parcellation gave us the opportunity to study MRI tracks reconstructed by tractography within the precentral gyrus and to compare these connections across subjects. We also performed a classical dissection of post-mortem brain tissue to isolate this pattern of connectivity. We showed MRI tracks connecting the different parts of the same precentral gyrus. This result was reproducible and was found in the left and right hemispheres of the 20 subjects. A quantitative description of the bilateral distribution of the MRI tracks was performed, based on statistical analysis and asymmetry indices, to compare asymmetry and handedness. To the best of our knowledge, this pattern of connectivity has never before been detailed in the literature. Its functional meaning remains to be determined, which requires further study.

Intramural haematoma should be referred to as thrombosed-type aortic dissection†

Intramural haematoma is defined pathologically as aortic dissection without an intimal tear. We therefore believe that this term is inappropriate as an acute clinical diagnosis, and instead, use the term 'thrombosed-type acute aortic dissection'. We compared the features of thrombosed-type acute aortic dissection with those of classic dissection. Thrombosed type was defined as aortic dissection without flow in the false lumen of the aorta on contrast-enhanced computed tomography. Surgery was indicated for all cases of type A acute aortic dissection, and central repair operations were performed in 509 patients. We retrospectively studied these patients' surgical records. Three hundred and forty-four patients (68%) had classic dissection, and 165 (32%) had thrombosed type. Thrombosed type was associated with a significantly higher mean age (69 vs 60 years, P < 0.01), a higher incidence of cardiac tamponade (45 vs 28%, P < 0.01) and a lower incidence of malperfusion (6 vs 35%, P < 0.01) than classic dissection. Entry tears were located in the ascending aorta and the arch in 74 patients (45%) with thrombosed type. Since 2007, an intimal tear has been confirmed intraoperatively or on computed tomography in 39 (78%) of 50 patients with thrombosed-type aortic dissection. Mortality was significantly lower in patients with thrombosed-type dissection (6%) than in those with classic dissection (13%, P = 0.02). Most cases of intramural haematoma are acute aortic dissections with an intimal tear without re-entry. Intramural haematoma should be referred to as thrombosed-type acute aortic dissection. Thrombosed type can be easily diagnosed on contrast-enhanced computed tomography and has features distinct from those of classic dissection. Our classification may be useful for the diagnosis of these types of aortic dissection.

Thrombosed Type A Acute Aortic Dissection Quick Overview of a Clinical Variant of Aortic Dissection

Thrombosed type A acute aortic dissection (TA AAD) is a subtype of aortic dissection. The computed tomography shows a crescent-shaped false lumen with neither entry nor blood flow in the false lumen. Clinical characteristics of TA AAD are sometimes different from those of the classical aortic dissection. The worst scenario is the progression to classical aortic dissection, which means recanalization of the false lumen, frank rupture, or aneurysmal formation is worse clinical manifestations. On the other hand, spontaneous regression of the false lumen leading to the disappearance of the aortic dissection is the best course. Optimal strategy for TA AAD still remains debatable. One of the reasons is the international differences in the outcomes of TA AAD. In the Western countries, the patients treated with emergent operation had lower mortality than those treated with medical therapy. On the other hand, in Asian countries, favorable outcomes have been demonstrated in the strategy of medical therapy alone for uncomplicated patients or medical therapy plus timed surgery for complicated patients. On Japanese guidelines for aortic dissection issued in 2011, the surgical treatment for TA AAD is indicated for the patients with cardiac tamponade, aortic regurgitation (AR), large ascending aorta (>50 mm) and thick thrombosed false lumen (>11 mm). The initial medical therapy is selected for patients who do not have the surgical criteria. Once selected, close inspection of the patient and repetitive radiographic follow-up are needed to detect the propagation of aortic dissection rapidly. We should rediscover the fact that thrombosed type A acute aortic dissection belongs to the “acute aortic syndrome” and is likely to progress to the overt aortic dissection or aortic rupture. The optimal selection of the initial treatment according to the risk stratification can improve the outcomes of this unique disease.

Aortic intramural hematoma after thrombolysis in a patient with acute massive pulmonary embolism

Aortic intramural hematoma after thrombolysis in a patient with acute massive pulmonary embolism

Killian Nazal Spekülüm Yardımıyla Lokal Tonsillektomi

Objective: To describe Killian nasal speculum-assisted tonsillectomy under local anesthesia in detail and to question the experience of our patients with this surgical procedure. Material and Methods: Group 1 included patients that underwent Killian nasal speculum-assisted tonsillectomy under local anesthesia (n=44) and Group 2 those who underwent classical cold dissection tonsillectomy under general anesthesia (n=28). Results: Among the patients in Group 1, 59.1% (26/44) reported mild, 27.3% (12/44) moderate, and 13.6% (6/44) excessive levels of anxiety preoperatively. All patients in Group 1 reported that they felt safe during surgery; 84.1% (37/44) reported that the surgery was easier than they had anticipated, whereas 15.9% (7/44) reported it was more difficult than anticipated. Duration of surgery in Groups 1 and 2 was 22.7 ± 7.0 minutes and 63.7 ± 16.3 minutes, respectively (p<0.001), and the median volume of intraoperative bleeding was 5 mL (range, 1-90 mL) and 180 mL (range, 40-400 mL), respectively (p < 0.001). No intraoperative complication developed in either group and the amount of postoperative bleeding did not show a significant difference between the groups. Conclusion: In selected adult patients, Killian nasal speculum-assisted tonsillectomy under local anesthesia is a time saving procedure, which produces less intra-operative blood loss compared to cold dissection tonsillectomy under general anesthesia.

Out of the dissection room. An experience of outdoor practical sessions for animal anatomy education

Practical exercises are an essential component of anatomy education, so anatomy sessions including dissection are essential for animal anatomy courses. In Spain there are not difficulties in obtaining farm animal corpses for educational purposes (although some sanitary laws restrict it in certain cases) neither in general ethical constraints. From 2009 we have been doing outdoor animal dissection for 1st level students of theAnimal Health and Science degree course of the University of Lleida in Catalunya (Spain) in an industrial corpse destruction plant near the university. There, students practice cow dissection in order to observe simple anatomical structures, such as superficial muscles and bony points, underfield conditions. We think that these kinds of practical lessons are a cheap and realistic educational model and clearly superior to the classical dissection performed with fixed corpses, even to those done with fresh corpses but under laboratory conditions. In this practice we found educational and technical advantages are more numerous than disadvantages, which are listed in this article.

Diagnosis of acute aortic syndromes

Acute aortic syndromes are fatal medical conditions including classic acute aortic dissection, intramural hematoma, and penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer. Given the nonspecific symptoms and signs, a high clinical index of suspicion followed by an imaging study, namely transesophageal echocardiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging (sensitivity 98-100% and specificity 95-100%), is a conditio sine qua non for prompt diagnosis of acute aortic syndromes. This article provides an overview of established and emerging approaches for the assessment of acute aortic syndromes, with focus on imaging and biomarkers. In this regard, D-dimer levels (cut-off: 500 ng/ml) may be useful to rule out aortic dissection, if used within the first 24 h after symptom onset.

A pictorial review of acute aortic syndrome: discriminating and overlapping features as revealed by ECG-gated multidetector-row CT angiography

BackgroundThe term "acute aortic syndrome" (AAS) encompasses a spectrum of life-threatening conditions characterized by acute aortic pain. AAS traditionally embraces three abnormalities including classic aortic dissection, intramural haematoma, and penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer. Although the underlying etiologies and conditions predisposing to AAS are diverse, the clinical features are indistinguishable.MethodsMultidetector-row computed tomography (CT) with electrocardiographic gating (ECG-gated MDCT) has greatly improved imaging of acute thoracic aortic diseases by virtually eliminating pulsation artifacts transmitted from cardiac motion and reveals subtle aortic abnormalities, which have been difficult to recognize by conventional non-gated CT.ResultsWhile these advances in imaging technology provide additional discriminating features of acute aortic diseases, they also reveal a range of overlapping features of these life-threatening conditions that not uncommonly are dynamic and evolving. These overlapping and transitional features may be a major source of misunderstanding, confusion, and controversy for diseases that cause AAS.ConclusionIn this pictorial review, we describe the discriminating and typical imaging features as revealed by modern ECG-gated MDCT angiography. In addition to the discriminating features, recognition of the overlapping and transitional features in AAS will allow a more comprehensive understanding of their underlying pathophysiologic conditions and their natural history, and may improve therapeutic management.Main Messages• The superior visualization of ECG-gated CTA improves the diagnostic accuracy of acute aortic syndrome.• ECG-gated CTA provides discriminating features of underlying pathophysiologic conditions of AAS.• Also, recognition of the overlapping features in AAS will allow a more comprehensive understanding.

Acute Aortic Intramural Hematoma

Acute aortic intramural hematoma (IMH) is an important subgroup of aortic dissection, and controversy surrounds appropriate management. Patients with acute aortic syndromes in the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection (1996-2011) were evaluated to examine differences between patients (based on the initial imaging test) with IMH or classic dissection (AD). Of 2830 patients, 178 had IMH (64 type A [42%], 90 type B [58%], and 24 arch). Patients with IMH were older and presented with similar symptoms, such as severe pain. Patients with type A IMH were less likely to present with aortic regurgitation or pulse deficits and were more likely to have periaortic hematoma and pericardial effusion. Although type A IMH and AD were managed medically infrequently, type B IMH were more frequently treated medically. Overall in-hospital mortality was not statistically different for type A IMH compared to AD (26.6% versus 26.5%; P=0.998); type A IMH managed medically had significant mortality (40.0%), although less than classic AD (61.8%; P=0.195). Patients with type B IMH had a hospital mortality that was less but did not differ significantly (4.4% versus 11.1%; P=0.062) from classic AD. One-year mortality was not significantly different between AD and IMH. Acute IMH has similar presentation to classic AD but is more frequently complicated with pericardial effusions and periaortic hematoma. Patients with IMH have a mortality that does not differ statistically from those with classic AD. A small subgroup of type A IMH patients are managed medically and have a significant in-hospital mortality.

Imaging the vascularisation of the femoral head by CT angiography

The femoral head receives its blood supply primarily from the medial femoral circumflex artery, with its deep branch being the most important. In a previous study, we performed classical anatomical dissections of 16 hips. We have extended our investigation with a radiological study, in which we aimed to visualise the arteries supplying the femoral head in healthy individuals. We analysed 55 CT angiographic images of the hip. Using 64-row CT angiography, we identified three main arteries supplying the femoral head: the deep branch of the medial femoral circumflex artery and the posterior inferior nutrient artery originating from the medial femoral circumflex artery, and the piriformis branch of the inferior gluteal artery. CT angiography is a good method for visualisation of the arteries supplying the femoral head. The current radiological studies will provide information for further investigation of vascularity after traumatic dislocation of the hip, using CT angiography.

Comparison of three techniques in adult tonsillectomy

This study aimed at investigating the thermal welding (TW), classic dissection (CD) and bipolar cautery dissection (BCD) tonsillectomy in adults. 120 adults with chronic tonsillitis, who were scheduled for elective tonsillectomy between January 2009 and April 2012, were randomized to tonsillectomy with the TW, CD and BCD methods. Operation time, intraoperative blood loss, post-operative haemorrhage rate and especially post-operative pain were evaluated. The difference between operative time of the TW and BCD groups against CD group was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The difference between intraoperative blood loss of the TW and BCD groups against CD group was statistically significant (p < 0.05). No significant difference was found in the incidence of post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage between the three groups (p > 0.05). The difference between post-operative pain score between CD and TW was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). The difference between post-operative pain score of the two groups against BCD group was statistically significant (p < 0.05). TW technique is a relatively safe and reliable method with significantly less post-operative morbidity than CD and BCD tonsillectomy. When we compared TW with the CD and BCD tonsillectomy, we found significant reduction in the surgical time and the intraoperative blood loss without any increase in the post-operative pain.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus radical surgery followed by chemotherapy in locally advanced cervical cancer.

5093 Background: The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy, in terms of overall survival and progression free survival, and safety of adjuvant chemotherapy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical surgery both in patients with and without node metastases. Methods: Between June 2000 to May 2007, all patients with diagnosis of locally advanced cervical cancer referred to the Division of Gynecologic Oncology of the University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome were elegible for this protocol.All enrolled patients received 3 cycles of platinum-based chemotherapy every 3 weeks according to the scheme cisplatin 100 mg/mq and paclitaxel 175 mg/mq. After neoadjuvant chemotherapy all patients with stable or progression to treatment were excluded from the protocol, all other were submitted classical radical hysterectomy and bilateral systematic pelvic lymph node dissection, and after to adjuvant treatment with 6 cycles of platinum based chemotherapy with cisplatin 100 mg/mq and paclitaxel 175 mg/mq. Results: 110 patients with local advanced cervical cancer received the treatment with neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy.Our study focused on clinical and operative data , in terms of overall survival and disease free survival at 5 and 3 years. 5-year OS of our series was 78% at five years and 86% at 3-years, with encouraging results also in subgroup with and without node mestastases. Conclusions: The adjuvant chemotherapy regimen after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radical surgery rappresents a valid treatment option for patients with locally advanced cervical cancer without lymph node involvement, both in terms of overall survival than in terms of disease-free interval, the results have also confirmed the validity of this approach in lymph node metastases, with a complication rate lower than the standard radio-chemotherapy regime.

Glissonean Pedicle Approach in Major Liver Resections

Liver resections are still one of the most challenging operations. The aim of this study was to analyze the efficiency and safety of the intrahepatic Glissonean pedicle approach vs. classical Hilar dissection in major hepatectomies. Thirty-four patients were assigned to the Glissonean approach (GA, n=34), while the Hilar dissection were assessed as historical control, matched for the age, gender, comorbidities and Child-Pugh score (HD, n=34). The GA was associated with significantly shorter surgery duration (191.18±41.10 vs. 246.62± 56.55), transection time (38.94±14.56 vs. 56.32±19.40) and ischemic duration (26.03±11.27 vs. 41.18±12.80) than HD (p<0.001 for all). The amount of blood loss was significantly lower in GA (245.59±169.39 vs. 344.71±166.25; p=0.018). The amount of blood transfusion was significantly lower in GA during surgery (322.86±102.07 vs. 414.76±135.48) as well as postoperatively than HD (246.67±5.77 vs. 336.67±120.55) (p=0.038 and p=0.026. respectively). Major hepatectomy can be performed more easily using the Glissonean pedicle approach than by hilar dissection. En-masse transection of pedicles, as well as hepatic veins, using endo-GIA vascular stapler could be performed safely. Liver surgeons should know the Glissonean pedicle approach.

Vascularization of the trapeziometacarpal joint and its clinical importance: Anatomical study

Few studies have investigated the vascular anatomy of the trapeziometacarpal (TM) joint of the thumb. The aim of our study was to describe the supplying arteries of the trapezium and the TM joint since this knowledge is essential for trapezium osteotomies. Ten anatomical dissections in ten different cadavers using two different techniques (four macerations, six classic dissections) were performed. The arteries of the TM joint originated from the radial artery and the princeps pollicis artery. Four important branches were identified. The arteries formed a vascular network around the joint. The dorsoradial surface of the joint contained the richest arterial network. These findings present an important consideration when performing an osteotomy of the trapezium.

Application of molecular techniques in the study of natural infection of Leishmania infantum vectors and utility of sandfly blood meal digestion for epidemiological surveys of leishmaniasis

Epidemiological studies on the distribution of leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania infantum Nicolle, 1908 (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae) have been based principally on serological surveys of the canine reservoir. This methodology is useful due to the facility of sampling, the rapidity in obtaining results, its consistency and because it allows the detection of heterogeneous foci of canine leishmaniasis (CanL) even in small areas. Other investigations have analysed Leishmania parasitism in sandflies (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) by using classical dissection techniques. These techniques allow the vector species to be incriminated in different foci, although they suffer from being very time consuming. Lately, studies in this field are increasingly using molecular techniques, which are faster and easier to perform. In the present work, we applied a nested-PCR in a study of natural infection of sandflies by Leishmania in three isolated farms where serological data on canine leishmaniasis of local dogs were also obtained. The analysis allowed the detection of 38.7% of females with positive nested-PCR (78%, 18% and 0%, respectively, in the different isolated farms). The positive Leishmania DNA samples were genotyped and identified as L. infantum. The results of this work provide new data for the vectorial capacity of Phlebotomus ariasi in a Pyrenean area, which can be considered at risk of becoming a new focus of CanL. The females with positive nested-PCR displayed blood in the midgut at different degrees of digestion, and/or were gravid. According to the multivariate logistic regression analysis, the risk of nested-PCR-positivity increased significantly with the degree of blood digestion (OR = 1.3; P value = 0.025). The Phlebotomus species and the presence of eggs were not statistically associated with nested-PCR positivity (P value of >0.05). The correlation of positive nested-PCR results with the presence of seropositive dogs in the farm confirms the utility of this technique in the study of the distribution and intensity of leishmaniasis foci. Also, the importance of sandfly blood-meal digestion for epidemiological surveys of leishmaniasis foci has been demonstrated.

Classic Dissection of Thoracic Aorta Complicated by Ascending Aortic Intramural Hematoma: Promt Diagnosis and Successful Endovascular Repair

We reported a case of 68-year-old man, with a previous history of hypertension. Patient was admitted to our institution for evaluation of a severe, constant, tearing anterior chest pain radiated to the neck with suspicion of acute aortic dissection. A multidetector computed tomography scan of thorax and abdomen demonstrated a dissection starting from the middle part of aortic arch and extending downward to the descending aorta till the middle part of the thoracic aorta. The dissection was classified as Stanford A, De Bakey I. Surgical treatment of patient was started with bypass graft from the right common carotid artery to the left common carotid with subsequent revascularization of left subclavian artery. Lower parts of above-mentioned arteries were ligated. At the second stage an emergent prosthetic stent-graft was placed distally from the truncus brachiocephalicus up to the proximal part of the descending aorta. We reported a case report to present diagnostic and possible interventional treatment for patient with acute aortic type A dissection.