Possible thermoregulatory functions of the internal vertebral venous plexus in man and various other mammals: Evidence from comparative anatomical studies

A unique presentation of anomalous posterior intercostal veins, hemiazygos vein and left superior vena cava

The venous anomalies of thorax are common, but the only drainage of 1st and 2nd posterior intercostal veins on both sides into the internal vertebral venous plexus with no communication to the azygos system is reported for the first time. The common hemiazygos vein is singular receiving all the posterior intercostal veins on the left from 4th to the 11th with subcostal on the left side. This vein drains into azygos on the right. It also connects on the cranial end via an anomalous vein to the Left SVC. This anomalous vein also receives the left 3rd posterior intercostal vein. On the right, the azygos system is normal.

The myodural bridge in the common rock pigeon (Columbia livia): Morphology and possible physiological implications

The dense connective tissue that connects muscles to the cervical spinal dura mater is known as the myodural bridge in human anatomy and has been a subject of interest to anatomists and clinicians. The myodural bridge was originally discovered in humans, and also has been observed in other mammals and in reptilian sauropsids. We investigated the existence of the myodural bridge in a bird, that is, the Common Rock Pigeon Columba livia, to expand the understanding of the structure and function of the myodural bridge. Gross anatomical dissection of seven specimens and histological analyses of the suboccipital region of eight specimens were performed. The rectus capitis dorsalis minor muscle joins occipital periosteal extensions and inserts with several dense connective tissue cords on the dorsal side of the dura mater of the cervical spinal cord. The myodural bridge consists primarily of collagen Type I fibres, suggesting that the myodural bridge can transmit strong tensional forces generated by the contraction of M. rectus capitis dorsalis minor to the dura mater. The pull on the dura mater may affect the circulation of the cerebrospinal fluid in the subarachnoid space of the spine.

Vertebral Hemangiomas and Their Correlation With Other Pathologies

STUDY DESIGN

This cross-sectional study was carried out on 196 adults (98 men and 98 women), aged between 18 and 91 years.

OBJECTIVE

To examine whether vertebral hemangiomas (VHs) are associated with other spinal pathologies, metabolic diseases, cardiovascular diseases, cancer and past trauma, to shed light on their possible pathophysiology.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

VHs are the most common form of benign tumors in the spine. Their association with spinal and systemic pathologies has not yet been systematically studied.

METHODS

Clinical data were gathered from full spine CT scans and medical records.

RESULTS

VHs were significantly associated with disc lesions (P = 0.004), past trauma (P = 0.037), diabetes (χ = 5.179, P = 0.023), cardio-vascular diseases (χ = 8.625, P = 0.003), and cancer (χ = 5.820, P = 0.016), but not with obesity. Only medium-large size VHs were significantly associated with osteoporosis (χ = 6.695, P = 0.010).

CONCLUSION

The pattern of diseases related to VHs suggests a common cause for VH, namely, a disruption of vascular flow in the microvessels (accompanied by endothelium damage) within the vertebral body, eventually resulting in hypervascularization.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4.