Aortic arch branch variations--case report and arteriographic analysis.

Objectives: Non-recognition of a critical aortic arch branch variation at surgery, with fatal consequences, prompted a retrospective analysis of the prevalence of aortic arch branch variations in the South African population.

Methods: Three hundred and twenty aortic arch angiograms were analysed from existing records (January 1988--March 1998) of the vascular unit, Department of Surgery, University of Natal.

Results: Aortic arch branch variations were observed in 17 cases (5.

Why we use the donor left kidney in live related transplantation.

Unlabelled: In addition to the superior graft survival afforded by live related transplantation, this option has assumed an important role in the management of endstage renal failure in centres confronted with a scarcity of cadaveric kidneys. In pursuing this option, it is imperative that the donor has minimal morbidity. An ongoing dilemma is which side the kidney should be harvested from.

Additional renal arteries: incidence and morphometry.

Advances in surgical and uro-radiological techniques dictate a reappraisal and definition of renal arterial variations. This retrospective study aimed at establishing the incidence of additional renal arteries. Two subsets were analysed viz.

Bilateral styloid chain ossification: case report.

The styloid chain is defined as the styloid process of the temporal bone, the stylohyoid ligament and the lesser cornua of the hyoid bone. Unusually long, incidental bilateral styloid chain ossification is described. This paper is presented for its unusual incidence, unusual length, the presence of ossification rather than calcification and its embryological correlation.

Lithopedion: a case report.

An 80-year-old Black, South African woman presented in the outpatient department with severe abdominal pain. Ultrasound examination revealed a large echogenic mass (20 x 20 cm) in the right upper quadrant. An abdominal x-ray demonstrated the skeleton of a fully developed extrauterine fetus.