Contribution to the variability in the coeliac plexus structure and formation.

Background: The coeliac plexus is often approached due to the diagnosis and treatment of the intractable pain associated with cancerous or non-cancerous pathology of the pancreas or neighbouring organs. Various methods of coeliac plexus blocks are used and the variations in its structure are causes of the failures of such procedures.

Methods: Twenty human cadavers (17 male, 3 females, age range 30-86 years, without any abdominal pathology) were dissected in the supine position.

Extradural and intradural characteristics of the cervical nerve root anomalies.

The anomalous anatomical arrangement of the cervical spinal nerve roots within the spinal canal can complicate the surgical treatment of several pathologies. This work aimed to reveal intraspinal anatomical anomalies of the extradural and also intradural cervical spinal nerve roots courses. The anatomical study was realised in 43 cadavers with a mean age of 53.

Extraordinary features of the intraspinal extradural and intradural nerve root courses.

Objectives: Very few studies have reported occasional intradural and extradural communications between adjacent nerve roots. These studies mostly focus on lumbosacral regions followed by cervical regions, and rarely in the thoracic region.

Design: The aim of this work is to point out some extraordinary extradural and intradural features of the intraspinal nerve root courses and their possible participation in radiculopathy.

Intraspinal characteristics of thoracic spinal nerve roots anomalies.

The anomalous anatomical arrangement of the thoracic spinal nerve roots within the spinal canal can complicate the surgical treatment of several pathologies. The aim of this work was to reveal intraspinal anatomical variations of the thoracic spinal nerve roots. Anatomical study on 43 cadavers with a mean age of 53.

Extradural Characteristics of the Origins of Lumbosacral Nerve Roots.

Background And Study Aims:  A great number of unsuccessful intervertebral herniated disk surgeries in the lumbosacral region have highlighted the importance of a comprehensive knowledge of the different types of nerve root anomalies. That knowledge gained by anatomical studies (and intraoperative findings) might contribute to better results. In our study we focused on intraspinal extradural lumbosacral nerve root anomalies and their possible role in radiculopathy.

Intraspinal intradural variations of nerve roots.

Purpose: The aim of this work is to point out the intraspinal anatomical variations of nerve roots and their possible participation in radiculopathy.

Methods: The anatomical study was performed in 33 cadavers. There were 25 male cadavers aged 30-75 years and 8 female cadavers aged 45-77 years, with a mean age of 46.

Intraspinal extradural variations of nerve roots.

Introduction: The aim of this work is to point out the intraspinal extradural anatomical variations of nerve roots and their possible participation in radiculopathy.

Methods: The anatomical study was performed in 33 cadavers at a mean age of 46.5 and up to 24h from death.

The variable origin of the recurrent artery of Heubner: an anatomical and morphometric study.

The recurrent artery of Heubner (RAH) is the largest vessel of the medial lenticulostriate arteries. It supplies many deep structures, mainly the corpus striatum, the globus pallidus, and the anterior crus of the internal capsule. The aim of the present paper was studying the morphological variations of the RAH and its diameter in relation to different areas of origin.

Expression of constitutive nitric oxide synthase isoforms in varicose vein wall; preliminary results.

There are conflicting findings in literature about the structural changes of the primary varicose veins. NO (a potent vasodilatator) is synthesized by nitric oxide synthase (NOS). From 3 known NOS isoforms the two are constitutional: eNOS (endothelial NOS) and nNOS (neuronal NOS).

Variation of the median nerve course and its clinical importance.

Aims And Methods: In our work we present and describe the variation of the course of the median nerve found in both upper limbs of one of the cadavers in our Institute of Anatomy (Medical Faculty, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia) during the students' dissection of the peripheral nerves and vessels.

Results And Conclusion: This non-standard course of the median nerve was compared with a standard course described in the anatomical literature and atlases, and confronted with the variations of the median nerve found and its course described in the available literature. We also provide some clinical implications of such peripheral nerve variability because understanding such anomalies is important in the diagnosis of unexplained clinical signs and symptoms as well as during nerve blocks and certain surgical procedures around the neck and proximal arm.

Mast cell infiltration in the wall of varicose veins.

Varicose veins of the lower extremities are abnormally dilated, tortuous and elongated. The exact cause of vein dilatation has still not been established. Mast cells produce, store and release various types of vasoactive compounds (histamine, tryptase, prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and cytokines).