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Rotenstreich L, Eran A, Siegler Y, Grossman R, Edery N, Cohen R, Marom A. Unveiling the vulnerability of the human abducens nerve: insights from comparative cranial base anatomy in mammals and primates. Front Neuroanat 2024; 18:1383126. [PMID: 38741761 PMCID: PMC11089250 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2024.1383126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The topographic anatomy of the abducens nerve has been the subject of research for more than 150 years. Although its vulnerability was initially attributed to its length, this hypothesis has largely lost prominence. Instead, attention has shifted toward its intricate anatomical relations along the cranial base. Contrary to the extensive anatomical and neurosurgical literature on abducens nerve anatomy in humans, its complex anatomy in other species has received less emphasis. The main question addressed here is why the human abducens nerve is predisposed to injury. Specifically, we aim to perform a comparative analysis of the basicranial pathway of the abducens nerve in mammals and primates. Our hypothesis links its vulnerability to cranial base flexion, particularly around the sphenooccipital synchondrosis. We examined the abducens nerve pathway in various mammals, including primates, humans (N = 40; 60% males; 40% females), and human fetuses (N = 5; 60% males; 40% females). The findings are presented at both the macroscopic and histological levels. To associate our findings with basicranial flexion, we measured the cranial base angles in the species included in this study and compared them to data in the available literature. Our findings show that the primitive state of the abducens nerve pathway follows a nearly flat (unflexed) cranial base from the pontomedullary sulcus to the superior orbital fissure. Only the gulfar segment, where the nerve passes through Dorello's canal, demonstrates some degree of variation. We present evidence indicating that the derived state of the abducens pathway, which is most pronounced in humans from an early stage of development, is characterized by following the significantly more flexed basicranium. Overall, the present study elucidates the evolutionary basis for the vulnerability of the abducens nerve, especially within its gulfar and cavernous segments, which are situated at the main synchondroses between the anterior, middle, and posterior cranial fossae-a unique anatomical relation exclusive to the abducens nerve. The principal differences between the pathways of this nerve and those of other cranial nerves are discussed. The findings suggest that the highly flexed human cranial base plays a pivotal role in the intricate anatomical relations and resulting vulnerability of the abducens nerve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liat Rotenstreich
- Laboratory for Anatomy and Human Evolution, The Farkas Family Center for Anatomical Research and Education, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neuroscience, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ayelet Eran
- Laboratory for Anatomy and Human Evolution, The Farkas Family Center for Anatomical Research and Education, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neuroscience, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
- Neuroradiology Unit, Department of Radiology, Rambam Medical Center, Haifa, Israel
| | - Yoav Siegler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rambam Medical Center, Haifa, Israel
| | - Rachel Grossman
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rambam Medical Center, Haifa, Israel
| | - Nir Edery
- Department of Pathology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Bet Dagan, Israel
| | - Roni Cohen
- Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Assaf Marom
- Laboratory for Anatomy and Human Evolution, The Farkas Family Center for Anatomical Research and Education, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neuroscience, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
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Pescatori L, Taurone S, Ciccarelli A, Palmieri M, Serraino A, Artico M, Fornai F, Longhitano Y, Zanza C, Tesauro M, Savioli G, Miglietta S, Ciappetta P. Petroclival Clinoidal Folds and Arachnoidal Membranes of the Anteromedial Incisural Space: Clinical Anatomy for Neuro Critical Care. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:3203. [PMID: 37892024 PMCID: PMC10605941 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13203203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
A systematic and narrative literature review was performed, focusing attention on the anatomy of the area located at the junction of the sphenoid and the basal portion of the temporal bone (petrous bone, petrous apex, upper petro-clival region) encircled by the free edge of the tentorium, the insertion of the tentorium itself to the petrous apex and the anterior and posterior clinoid processes that give rise to three distinct dural folds or ligaments: the anterior petroclinoid ligament, the posterior petroclinoid ligament and the interclinoid ligament. These dural folds constitute the posterior portion of the roof of the cavernous sinus denominated "the oculomotor triangle". The main purpose of this review study was to describe this anatomical region, particularly in the light of the relationships between the anterior margin of the free edge of the tentorium and the above-mentioned components of the sphenoid and petrous bone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Pescatori
- Department of Neurosurgery, S. Eugenio Hospital of Rome, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Samanta Taurone
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Division of Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, 00135 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonello Ciccarelli
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Division of Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, 00135 Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Palmieri
- Human Neurosciences Department, A.U.O. “Policlinico Umberto I” Neurosurgery Division, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy (A.S.)
| | - Alessandra Serraino
- Human Neurosciences Department, A.U.O. “Policlinico Umberto I” Neurosurgery Division, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy (A.S.)
| | - Marco Artico
- Department of Sensory Organs, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Francesco Fornai
- IRCCS Neuromed, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy;
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Yaroslava Longhitano
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Humanitas University Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, Italy
| | - Christian Zanza
- Italian Society of Prehospital Emergency Medicine (SIS 118), 74121 Taranto, Italy
- Post Graduate School of Geriatric Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Manfredi Tesauro
- Post Graduate School of Geriatric Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Savioli
- Emergency Department, IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Selenia Miglietta
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
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Chavez-Herrera VR, Campero Á, Ballesteros-Herrera D, Sandoval-Bonilla BA, Perez-Carrillo CA, Soto-Rubio DT, Valladares-Pérez EJ, González-Zavala PA, Castillejo-Adalid LA, Rodríguez-Hernández JJ. Microsurgical and illustrative anatomy of the cavernous sinus, middle fossa, and paraclival triangles: a straightforward, comprehensive review. Surg Radiol Anat 2023; 45:389-400. [PMID: 36853414 PMCID: PMC10039822 DOI: 10.1007/s00276-023-03105-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
The middle fossa, cavernous sinus, and paraclival triangles consist of ten triangles. Their use in a surgical approach is vast; most are used as landmarks to access and identify other structures of surgical interest. Multiple labels, borders, and contents mentioned by different authors make understanding and reproduction challenging and confusing. This study aims to organize and clarify recent or most relevant publications and disclose our portrayal of the ten triangles using cadaveric dissection and simple and practical figures. Four middle fossa triangles, four cavernous sinus triangles, and two paraclival triangles were dissected and delineated in a cadaveric specimen. Drawings were simplified to eliminate confusion and evaluate the triangles effortlessly. Similarities and differences in triangle names, border limits, and contents are described in a precise form. The recognition of triangle landmarks allows for treating pathologies in a frequently distorted anatomy or challenging to access structure. That is why an accurate knowledge of the surgical anatomy should be mastered, and a safe approach should be accomplished.
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Affiliation(s)
- Víctor Ramzes Chavez-Herrera
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital de Especialidades, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Álvaro Campero
- Department of Neurosurgery, Padilla Hospital, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Daniel Ballesteros-Herrera
- Department of Neurosurgery, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugia, Manuel Velasco Suarez, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Bayron Alexander Sandoval-Bonilla
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital de Especialidades, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Cristian Alberto Perez-Carrillo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital de Especialidades, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Diego Tonathiu Soto-Rubio
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital de Especialidades, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Eduardo Javier Valladares-Pérez
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital de Especialidades, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Pedro Adrián González-Zavala
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital de Especialidades, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Luis Alfonso Castillejo-Adalid
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital de Especialidades, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Job Jesús Rodríguez-Hernández
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital de Especialidades, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Ciudad de México, Mexico
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Banerjee S, Iwanaga J, Dumont AS, Tubbs RS. An unusual finding of the Porus trigeminus: Case report with histological findings. Anat Histol Embryol 2023. [DOI: 10.1111/ahe.12917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
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Ekanem UOI, Chaiyamoon A, Cardona JJ, Berry JF, Wysiadecki G, Walocha JA, Iwanaga J, Dumont AS, Tubbs RS. Prevalence, Laterality, and Classification of Ossified Petroclival Ligaments: An Anatomical and Histological Study With Application to Skull Base Surgery. Cureus 2023; 15:e36469. [PMID: 37090401 PMCID: PMC10117410 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.36469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The petroclival ligament (PL) forms the roof of Dorello's canal (DC). In humans, partial and complete ossification of this ligament have been reported. When completely ossified, DC is transformed into a bony foramen for the abducens nerve and accompanying vascular structures. As this osteological finding might have an impact on skull base surgery, this anatomical study was performed. Methodology Using 100 adult human skulls, the presence of an ossified PL was noted and classified. The diameter of the resultant bony foramen and laterality were documented. Additionally, PL was evaluated histologically in 10 heads. Results Overall, 8% of the sides were found to have partial or complete ossification of the PL. Partial ossification (type I) was noted on 3% of the sides. Completely ossified PL was identified on 5% of the sides. Some ossified ligaments (2.5%) were seen as an ossified bridge (type II), and others (2.5%) were converted into small foramina (type III). Three skulls (3%) were found to have a completely ossified ligament bilaterally. The mean diameter of the underlying DC was 0.8 mm. Partially ossified ligaments were statistically more likely to be on the right sides, and the diameter of the underlying DC was statistically smaller in type III. Histologically, the PL was found to have bone within it on three skull sides. Conclusions An ossified ligament can be found on imaging of the skull base. Moreover, during surgical approaches to the petroclival region and, specifically, DC, skull base surgeons should be cognizant of this anatomical variation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Arada Chaiyamoon
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, THA
| | - Juan J Cardona
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, USA
| | - J Franklin Berry
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, USA
| | - Grzegorz Wysiadecki
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, Medical University of Poland, Lodz, POL
| | - Jerzy A Walocha
- Department of Anatomy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, POL
| | - Joe Iwanaga
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, USA
| | - Aaron S Dumont
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, USA
| | - R Shane Tubbs
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, St. George's University, St. George's, GRD
- Department of Neurosurgery and Structural & Cellular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, USA
- Neurosurgery and Ochsner Neuroscience Institute, Ochsner Health System, New Orleans, USA
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Wysiadecki G, Tubbs RS, Iwanaga J, Radek M, Walocha J, Brzeziński P, Kobos J, Polguj M. Microanatomical study of arachnoid granulations and meningeal architecture around Meckel's cave. Neurosurg Rev 2023; 46:50. [PMID: 36754877 PMCID: PMC9908694 DOI: 10.1007/s10143-023-01954-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Although the microanatomy of Meckel's cave (MC) has been well studied, there are still controversies regarding the meningeal architecture of the space. Moreover, there are only general mentions of the arachnoid granulations near MC in just a few sources. This study is aimed at determining the frequency, location, and anatomical variability of the main clusters of arachnoid granulations around MC. The dissection involved 26 isolated specimens of MC fixed in formalin (neutral buffered, 10%). This number included five freshly harvested specimens examined histologically. Additional paraffin block with MC horizontal section was taken from our neuroanatomical collection. Carefully selected anatomical and histological techniques were applied to assess the complex relationships between the arachnoid granulations and adjacent structures. Arachnoid granulations were found around MC in all specimens with different anatomical variations. The main clusters of arachnoid granulations were close to the trigeminal ganglion and its divisions. The dorsolateral wall of MC was a thick layer formed by interweaving bundles of collagen fibers arranged in various directions. The entire MC was surrounded by a dural sleeve (envelope). This sleeve separated MC from the lateral sellar compartment. At its anterior (rostral) end, it formed a cribriform area pierced by individual fascicles of the trigeminal nerve's primary divisions. The connective tissue forming the sleeve was not only continuous with the epineurium but also shifted to the perineuria surrounding individual nerve fascicles. The meningeal architecture around MC has a complex and multilayer arrangement with a collagenous sleeve closely related to the trigeminal ganglion. Arachnoid granulations are typically found around MC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grzegorz Wysiadecki
- Department of Normal and Clinical Anatomy, Chair of Anatomy and Histology, Medical University of Lodz, Ul. Żeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752, Lodz, Poland.
| | - R Shane Tubbs
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tulane Center for Clinical Neurosciences, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Tulane Center for Clinical Neurosciences, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, St. George's University, St. George's, Grenada
- Department of Structural & Cellular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Department of Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery and Ochsner Neuroscience Institute, Ochsner Health System, New Orleans, LA, USA
- University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Joe Iwanaga
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tulane Center for Clinical Neurosciences, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Tulane Center for Clinical Neurosciences, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Maciej Radek
- Department of Neurosurgery, Spine and Peripheral Nerve Surgery, Medical University of Lodz, University Hospital WAM-CSW, Lodz, Poland
| | - Jerzy Walocha
- Department of Anatomy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland
| | - Piotr Brzeziński
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Chair of Anatomy and Histology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Józef Kobos
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Chair of Anatomy and Histology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Michał Polguj
- Department of Normal and Clinical Anatomy, Chair of Anatomy and Histology, Medical University of Lodz, Ul. Żeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752, Lodz, Poland
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Clarke E, Golberg M, Smędra A, Mazur M, Mazurek A, Balawender K, Barszcz K, Żytkowski A. Bilateral caroticoclinoid foramen and unilateral abducens nerve canal found on the fetal skull – Case report. TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH IN ANATOMY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tria.2022.100224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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Kontzialis M, Ahmed AK, Gallia GL, Texalidis P, Aygun N, Blitz AM. High resolution 3D magnetic resonance imaging of Gruber's ligament: a pilot study. SURGICAL AND RADIOLOGIC ANATOMY : SRA 2022; 44:1157-1163. [PMID: 35909192 DOI: 10.1007/s00276-022-02996-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Gruber's ligament (GL), a surgical landmark, extends from the lateral upper clivus to the petrous apex (PA), forming the superior boundary of Dorello's canal (DC). It overlies the interdural segment of the abducens nerve (CN VI). High-resolution 3D skull base MRI (SB-MRI) demonstrates anatomic details visible to the surgeon, but not well seen on traditional cross-sectional imaging. The aim of this study was to demonstrate visualization of the GL and its relationship to CN VI utilizing contrast enhanced high-resolution SB-MRI. METHODS Two neuroradiologists retrospectively reviewed in consensus the SB-MRIs of 27 skull base sides, among 14 patients. GL detection rate, confidence of detection, and GL length were recorded. When GL was successfully identified, the position of the interdural segment of CN VI within DC was recorded. RESULTS GL was readily identified in 16 skull base sides (59%), identified with some difficulty in 2 skull base sides (7%), and failed to be identified in 9 skull base sides (33%). The mean GL length was 7.1 mm (4.5-9.3 mm). Among the 18 cases where GL was successfully identified, CN VI was readily identified in all cases (100%), coursing the lateral third of DC in 72% of sides, and middle third in the remaining 28% of sides. CONCLUSION GL can be identified in approximately two-thirds of cases utilizing 3D high resolution SB-MRI. CN VI passes most commonly along the lateral third of DC. This is the first report demonstrating visualization of GL and its relation to CN VI, on imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marinos Kontzialis
- Department of Radiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 676 N St Clair Street, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
| | - A Karim Ahmed
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Gary L Gallia
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Pavlos Texalidis
- Department of Neurosurgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Nafi Aygun
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Interventional Radiology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Ari M Blitz
- Department of Radiology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine University Hospitals, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Żytkowski A, Clarke E, Musiał A, Dubrowski A, Mazur M, Iwanaga J, Tubbs RS, Wysiadecki G. Atypical attachment of the petrosphenoidal (petroclival) ligament to the posterior genu of the cavernous internal carotid artery – Case report. TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH IN ANATOMY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tria.2022.100185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
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Yağmurlu K. Editorial: Neurosurgery and Neuroanatomy. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12030341. [PMID: 35326297 PMCID: PMC8946273 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12030341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Microsurgical anatomy is not only the backbone for neurosurgical operations, but also for technological innovations, novel surgical techniques, a better understanding of the etiopathogenesis of pathologies, and translational medicine from neuroscience to daily clinical practice [...]
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaan Yağmurlu
- Department of Neurological Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
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11
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McCormack IG, Xu L, Nerva J, Berry JF, Melgar M, Wysiadecki G, Walocha J, Iwanaga J, Dumont AS, Tubbs RS. Anatomy of the Dorsal Meningeal Artery Including Its Variations: Application to Skull Base Surgery and Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging. World Neurosurg 2021; 155:e41-e48. [PMID: 34365050 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2021.07.132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The blood supply to the skull base is important to surgeons and those performing interventional and diagnostic procedures in this region. However, 1 vessel with a vast distribution in this area, the dorsal meningeal artery (DMA), has had few anatomic studies performed to investigate not only its normal anatomy but also its variations. Therefore the current study aimed to analyze the DMA via cadaveric dissection. METHODS In 10 adults, latex-injected, cadaveric heads (20 sides), the DMA was dissected using a surgical microscope. This artery and its branches were documented and measured. RESULTS A DMA was identified on all sides. In the majority (85%), it was a branch of the meningohypophysial trunk or common stem with either the inferior hypophysial or tentorial arteries and always had branches that traversed the basilar venous plexus. Multiple branches of the DMA were identified and categorized as bony, dural, neural, and vascular. CONCLUSIONS Surgeons operating at the skull base or clinicians interpreting imaging of this area should have a good working knowledge of the DMA and its typical and variant anatomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella G McCormack
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Lu Xu
- Department of Structural and Cellular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - John Nerva
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - John F Berry
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Miguel Melgar
- Memorial Neurosciences Center, Memorial Hospital at Gulfport, Gulfport, Mississippi, USA
| | - Grzegorz Wysiadecki
- Department of Normal and Clinical Anatomy, Chair of Anatomy and Histology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Jerzy Walocha
- Department of Anatomy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | - Joe Iwanaga
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Department of Neurology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.
| | - Aaron S Dumont
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - R Shane Tubbs
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Department of Structural and Cellular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Department of Neurology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Department of Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Department of Neurosurgery and Ochsner Neuroscience Institute, Ochsner Health System, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Department of Anatomical Sciences, St. George's University, St. George's, Grenada; Queensland University, Brisbane, Australia
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Wysiadecki G, Radek M, Tubbs RS, Iwanaga J, Walocha J, Brzeziński P, Polguj M. Gross and Micro-Anatomical Study of the Cavernous Segment of the Abducens Nerve and Its Relationships to Internal Carotid Plexus: Application to Skull Base Surgery. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11050649. [PMID: 34065668 PMCID: PMC8156379 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11050649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aims to provide detailed observations on the cavernous segment of the abducens nerve (AN), emphasizing anatomical variations and the relationships between the nerve and the internal carotid plexus. A total of 60 sides underwent gross-anatomical study. Five specimens of the AN were stained using Sihler’s method. An additional five specimens were subjected to histological examination. Four types of AN course were observed: a single nerve along its entire course, duplication of the nerve, division into separate rootlets at the point of contact with the cavernous part of the internal carotid artery (ICA), and early-branching before entering the orbit. Due to the relationships between the ICA and internal carotid plexus, the cavernous segment of the AN can be subdivided into a carotid portion located at the point of contact with the posterior vertical segment of the cavernous ICA and a prefissural portion. The carotid portion of the cavernous AN segment is a place of angulation, where the nerve always directly adheres to the ICA. The prefissural portion of the AN, in turn, is the primary site of fiber exchange between the internal carotid plexus and either the AN or the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grzegorz Wysiadecki
- Department of Normal and Clinical Anatomy, Chair of Anatomy and Histology, Medical University of Lodz, ul. Żeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752 Łódź, Poland;
- Correspondence:
| | - Maciej Radek
- Department of Neurosurgery, Spine and Peripheral Nerve Surgery, Medical University of Lodz, University Hospital WAM-CSW, 90-549 Łódź, Poland;
| | - R. Shane Tubbs
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tulane Center for Clinical Neurosciences, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (R.S.T.); (J.I.)
- Department of Neurosurgery and Ochsner Neuroscience Institute, Ochsner Health System, New Orleans, LA 70433, USA
- Department of Neurology, Tulane Center for Clinical Neurosciences, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, St. George’s University, Grenada FZ 818, West Indies
- Department of Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Joe Iwanaga
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tulane Center for Clinical Neurosciences, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (R.S.T.); (J.I.)
- Department of Neurology, Tulane Center for Clinical Neurosciences, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Department of Anatomy, Kurume University School of Medicine, 67 Asahi-machi, Kurume, Fukuoka 830-0011, Japan
| | - Jerzy Walocha
- Department of Anatomy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 33-332 Kraków, Poland;
| | - Piotr Brzeziński
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Chair of Anatomy and Histology, Medical University of Lodz, 90-752 Łódź, Poland;
| | - Michał Polguj
- Department of Normal and Clinical Anatomy, Chair of Anatomy and Histology, Medical University of Lodz, ul. Żeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752 Łódź, Poland;
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