Comprehensive anatomical study of meningeal arteries in dromedaries

Comprehensive analysis of the rostral and caudal cerebral artery branching patterns in the dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius)

Introduction

In mammals, the cerebral cortex depends on a robust blood supply for optimal function. The rostral and caudal cerebral arteries are critical for supplying the cerebrum. This study presents the first detailed anatomical description of the rostral and caudal cerebral arteries of dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius), including their origins, routes, and complex branching patterns.

Methods

A sample of 55 heads from male dromedary camels aged 2-6 years was analyzed using advanced casting techniques with various casting materials to provide precise visualization of these arterial structures.

Results

The rostral cerebral arteries originate dorsally from the rostral epidural rete mirabile (RERM), while the caudal cerebral arteries arise from the caudal communicating artery, which is another branch of the RERM. Both sets of arteries give rise to multiple cortical branches responsible for supplying the medial aspects of the frontal, parietal, and temporal lobes, as well as the medial and caudal regions of the occipital lobes.

Conclusion

This study significantly expands our understanding of the cerebrovascular anatomy of dromedary camels. Our findings have potential implications for veterinary medicine in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders in camels and may offer insights into broader comparative neuroscience research.

Preservation of the middle meningeal artery during unruptured aneurysm surgery: an independent risk factor for postoperative chronic subdural hematoma

Background

Although microsurgical clipping for unruptured aneurysms has become safer and more efficient with modern neurosurgical advances, postoperative chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) persists as an underrecognized complication. This study investigated the association between preservation of the anterior branch of the middle meningeal artery (MMA) during surgery and CSDH development.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 120 patients who underwent clipping for unruptured aneurysms at Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital between May 2020 and July 2023. We evaluated the patients on the basis of surgical approach-lateral supraorbital (LSO) or standard pterional craniotomy-and the status of the MMA postoperatively. We employed pre-and post-operative MR angiography to assess MMA preservation and used follow-up computed tomography scans to monitor CSDH development.

Results

Of the 120 patients, 22 (18.3%) developed CSDH. Univariate analysis revealed that male sex, advanced age, and MMA preservation are risk factors for postoperative CSDH. Multivariate analysis supported these findings, indicating a significant association with the development of CSDH. MMA preservation was reported in 65 patients, of whom 60 and 5 underwent LSO and pterional craniotomy, respectively.

Conclusion

Preservation of the anterior branch of the MMA during unruptured aneurysm surgery is a risk factor for postoperative CSDH development. Advanced age and male sex also contribute to the increased risk. These findings highlight the need for further investigation into surgical techniques that could mitigate postoperative CSDH development.

Comprehensive mapping of the exterior architecture of the dromedary camel brain

The morphological perspective of the camel brain remains largely unexplored. Therefore, studying the topography of the camel brain is of crucial importance. This study aimed to provide a detailed color-coded topographic representation of the camel brain's gross anatomy and nomenclature, showing its various gyri and sulci and their borders. We compared them to previously known information to develop a detailed description of camel brain exterior architecture. Our research identified distinctive gyri and sulci with discrete positions and surrounding structures, allowing us to define sulci boundaries and establish logical gyri nomenclature. This study uncovered previously overlooked gyri and sulci and improved descriptions of specific sulci. The ectomarginal sulcus, splenial sulcus, splenial gyrus, and ectogenual gyrus are a few examples. These findings highlight several unique anatomical features of the dromedary brain, which can guide future research. By providing a comprehensive examination of the distinctive exterior anatomical features of the camel brain, this study may serve as a point of convergence for all researchers, providing more accurate identification of the gyri and sulci.