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World Neurosurgery Dec 2021Fenestrations of cerebral arteries are congenital variants that develop when primitive vessels fuse incompletely. An association between the incidence of aneurysm and a...
BACKGROUND
Fenestrations of cerebral arteries are congenital variants that develop when primitive vessels fuse incompletely. An association between the incidence of aneurysm and a fenestrated artery has been noted in the radiological literature. However, technical limitations of radiological studies may hamper visualization of small fenestrations and aneurysms. We sought to analyze a large, postmortem collection of human brains to assess the association between aneurysm formation and the presence of fenestrations.
METHODS
This study included 333 formalin-fixed brains. The arachnoid was dissected under a microscope, the cerebral arteries were completely exposed, and fenestrations and aneurysms were identified and measured. For each specimen, age, sex, and all vascular abnormalities and variations were recorded for analysis.
RESULTS
Fenestrations were present in 41% of the specimens, and 37% of these were multiple. Fenestrations were 3.1 ± 2.5 mm long and most commonly occurred in the anterior communicating artery (63%). Aneurysms were present in 8% of the specimens, usually in the anterior communicating artery or the middle cerebral artery. An aneurysm correlated with a fenestration was detected in 2% of all specimens (n = 4) and was not statistically significant (P = 0.18).
CONCLUSIONS
Fenestrations of the intracranial arteries are a common anatomical finding. They are present most often in the anterior communicating artery. Most aneurysms were detected in the anterior communicating artery and middle cerebral artery. We conclude that the existence of an aneurysm in a fenestrated artery is an incidental, rather than causal, relationship.
Topics: Adult; Cadaver; Cerebral Arteries; Female; Humans; Intracranial Aneurysm; Male; Middle Aged
PubMed: 34506985
DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2021.08.137 -
Annals of Anatomy = Anatomischer... Jan 2022Thyroid ima artery is a variant artery found on the anterior surface of the trachea. The aim of this meta-analysis was to obtain pooled prevalence data of the thyroid... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Thyroid ima artery is a variant artery found on the anterior surface of the trachea. The aim of this meta-analysis was to obtain pooled prevalence data of the thyroid ima artery and discuss its clinical importance especially for tracheostomy.
METHODS
A systematic literature search was performed through five electronic databases until May 2021. A set of inclusion and exclusion criteria based on AQUA guidelines were used to select relevant studies. Meta-analysis, subgroup analyses, meta-regression, and tests for publication bias were performed. Factors that influence the prevalence of the thyroid ima artery were detected using simple and interpretable machine learning (linear regression and K means).
RESULTS
Thirty-six studies with a total of 4335 subjects met the inclusion criteria. The prevalence of the thyroid ima artery was 3.8% (95% CI: 0.027-0.049, I=56.2%). Machine learning identified age, region and year of publication as potential covariates. Subgroup analysis showed that the prevalence of the thyroid ima artery was 4.5 times higher in fetuses (14.8%) than adults (3.3%) (z=-6.76, p<0.01). There was a significant negative correlation between the adult prevalence of the thyroid ima artery and the year of publication (Pearson's r=-0.354, p=0.040) thereby suggesting a decline in thyroid ima artery prevalence over time. This artery, if present, may originate from the brachiocephalic trunk (74%), right common carotid artery (9.6%), arch of aorta (7.7%), right internal thoracic artery (4.8%), left common carotid artery (1.9%) and left internal thoracic artery (1.9%).
CONCLUSION
In addition to evidence-based synthesis of the thyroid ima artery, this study is the first ever study to report the decreasing prevalence over time of a human body structure in the postnatal life. Knowledge of the thyroid ima artery is of vital importance for surgeons to avoid accidental hemorrhage during tracheostomy.
Topics: Adult; Brachiocephalic Trunk; Carotid Artery, Common; Humans; Machine Learning; Prevalence; Thyroid Gland
PubMed: 34265384
DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2021.151803 -
Arthritis and Rheumatism Jul 2011Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by calcification, vasculopathy, and endothelial wall damage, all of which can increase the risk of developing atherosclerosis... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by calcification, vasculopathy, and endothelial wall damage, all of which can increase the risk of developing atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine whether the risk of atherosclerosis is increased in SSc patients compared to healthy individuals.
METHODS
A systematic search was performed to identify studies published in PubMed and the Cochrane database up to May 2010, and recently published abstracts were also reviewed. Two reviewers independently screened articles to identify studies comparing the rate of atherosclerosis in SSc patients to that in healthy controls. The studies utilized one of the following methods: angiography, Doppler ultrasound to assess plaque and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, flow-mediated vasodilation (assessed as the FMD%), the ankle-brachial index, or autopsy. For carotid IMT and FMD% values, we computed a pooled estimate of the summary mean difference and explored predictors of carotid IMT using random-effects meta-regression.
RESULTS
Of the 3,156 articles initially identified, 31 were selected for systematic review. The meta-analysis included 14 studies assessing carotid IMT and 7 assessing brachial artery FMD%. Compared to healthy controls, SSc patients had a higher prevalence of coronary atherosclerosis, peripheral vascular disease, and cerebrovascular calcification. Meta-analysis showed that SSc patients had increased carotid IMT (summary mean difference 0.11 mm, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.05 mm, 0.17 mm; P = 0.0006) and lower FMD% (summary mean difference -3.07%, 95% CI -5.44%, -0.69%; P = 0.01) compared to controls. There was marked heterogeneity between the studies, which was mainly attributable to variations in disease duration and differences in the mean/median age between SSc patients and controls.
CONCLUSION
Patients with SSc have an increased risk of atherosclerosis compared to healthy subjects. Further studies should elucidate the mechanism of this increased risk.
Topics: Atherosclerosis; Brachial Artery; Carotid Arteries; Humans; Risk; Scleroderma, Systemic; Tunica Intima; Tunica Media; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 21480189
DOI: 10.1002/art.30380 -
Journal of the American Heart... Aug 2017Incidence of radial artery occclusions (RAO) and ulnar artery occclusions (UAO) in coronary procedures, factors predisposing to forearm arteries occlusion, and the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Radial Artery and Ulnar Artery Occlusions Following Coronary Procedures and the Impact of Anticoagulation: (Radial and Ulnar ry Occlusion eta-Analys) Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
BACKGROUND
Incidence of radial artery occclusions (RAO) and ulnar artery occclusions (UAO) in coronary procedures, factors predisposing to forearm arteries occlusion, and the benefit of anticoaggulation vary significantly in existing literature. We sought to determine the incidence of RAO/UAO and the impact of anticoagulation intensity.
METHODS AND RESULTS
Meta-analysis of 112 studies assessing RAO and/or UAO (N=46 631) were included. Overall, there was no difference between crude RAO and UAO rates (5.2%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.4-6.0 versus 4.0%; 95% CI, 2.8-5.8; =0.171). The early occlusion rate (in-hospital or within 7 days after procedure) was higher than the late occlusion rate. The detection rate of occlusion was higher with vascular ultrasonography compared with clinical evaluation only. Low-dose heparin was associated with a significantly higher RAO rate compared with high-dose heparin (7.2%; 95% CI, 5.5-9.4 versus 4.3%; 95% CI, 3.5-5.3; Q=8.81; =0.003). Early occlusions in low-dose heparin cohorts mounted at 8.0% (95% CI, 6.1-10.6). The RAO rate was higher after diagnostic angiographies compared with coronary interventions, presumably attributed to the higher intensity of anticoagulation in the latter group. Hemostatic techniques (patent versus nonpatent hemostasis), geography (US versus non-US cohorts) and sheath size did not impact on vessel patency.
CONCLUSIONS
RAO and UAO occur with similar frequency and in the order of 7% to 8% when evaluated early by vascular ultrasonography following coronary procedures. More-intensive anticoagulation is protective. Late recanalization occurs in a substantial minority of patients.
Topics: Aged; Anticoagulants; Arterial Occlusive Diseases; Cardiac Catheterization; Coronary Angiography; Female; Humans; Incidence; Male; Middle Aged; Punctures; Radial Artery; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Time Factors; Ulnar Artery; Vascular Patency; Vasoconstriction
PubMed: 28838915
DOI: 10.1161/JAHA.116.005430 -
American Journal of Otolaryngology 2023The superior thyroid artery (STA) point of origin is strongly debated with controversial results among studies. External carotid artery (ECA), carotid bulb, and common... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
The superior thyroid artery (STA) point of origin is strongly debated with controversial results among studies. External carotid artery (ECA), carotid bulb, and common carotid artery (CCA) have been presented as points of origin with variable percentages among authors. We conducted a systematic review of all existing studies that included cadaveric, surgical, and angiographic specimens and recorded the origin of STA according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Fifty-two studies, with an overall of 5488 specimens were included.
RESULTS
Our results indicated ECA as the most common site of origin (55.0 %) followed by carotid bifurcation at 27.5 % and CCA at 15.0 %. Absent STA or branching from the internal carotid artery (ICA) was an extremely rare finding. We proposed a new simple classification system based on our results.
CONCLUSIONS
The huge variability in the branching pattern of STA makes head and neck surgery and radiographic interventions challenging and poses the integrity of STA at risk. Therefore, we strongly recommend preoperative angiographic studies for STA identification to prevent an intraoperative iatrogenic injury.
Topics: Humans; Thyroid Gland; Carotid Artery, External; Carotid Artery, Internal; Neck; Angiography
PubMed: 37190996
DOI: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2023.103823 -
Current Medical Research and Opinion Jan 2018The best management of patients with femoropopliteal and infrapopliteal artery occlusion disease is not clear. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of drug-coated... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
The best management of patients with femoropopliteal and infrapopliteal artery occlusion disease is not clear. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of drug-coated balloons (DCBs) and drug-eluting stents (DESs) with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) in patients with femoropopliteal or infrapopliteal arterial occlusive disease.
METHODS
Medline, Cochrane, Embase, and Google Scholar databases were searched for randomized controlled trials from 1 January 2000 until 30 June 2016.
RESULTS
Compared with PTA, significant benefits in favor of DCB and DES were found for target lesion revascularization (TLR) (OR = 0.38, 95% CI = 0.22 to 0.66, p = .001 for DCB; OR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.32 to 0.81, p < .001 for DES). Primary patency rate was greater with DCB (p = .001) and DES (p < .001) than PTA. Compared with PTA, a significant reduction in mortality was observed in the DCB group (p = .039) but not in the DES group. Subgroup analysis found a lower rate of TLR and a higher rate of primary patency in the active group (DCB and DES) compared with the control group (PTA) in patients with femoropopliteal arterial occlusion (p ≤ .016) but not in patients with infrapopliteal arterial occlusion (p ≥ .063). Mortality was similar between active replacement and control groups both in the femoropopliteal arterial occlusion and the infrapopliteal arterial occlusion subgroups (all p > .05).
CONCLUSIONS
Significantly better TLR and primary patency rate were found in the drug-delivering endovascular treatments compared with the PTA group for patients with femoropopliteal arterial occlusion but not for patients with infrapopliteal arterial occlusion.
Topics: Angioplasty; Drug-Eluting Stents; Endovascular Procedures; Femoral Artery; Humans; Peripheral Arterial Disease; Popliteal Artery
PubMed: 28837370
DOI: 10.1080/03007995.2017.1372114 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2023The arc of Buhler (AOB) is a direct anastomosis of the celiac axis and superior mesenteric artery. This paper reviews the literature on the AOB and provides accurate and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The arc of Buhler (AOB) is a direct anastomosis of the celiac axis and superior mesenteric artery. This paper reviews the literature on the AOB and provides accurate and up-to-date data on its prevalence, anatomy, and clinical significance. The main scholarly online databases were carefully searched for relevant studies related to the AOB. Information was gathered and formed the basis of the analysis of this study. In total, 11 studies were used in this meta-study, consisting of 3685 total patients tested and 50 cases of the AOB presented. The pooled prevalence estimate of the AOB was determined to be 1.7% (95% CI 0.9, 2.9). By imaging type, the prevalence of the AOB was 1.8% for radiological studies (n = 3485; 95% CI 0.9, 3.0), 1.4% for computed tomography (CT) studies (n = 1417; 95% CI 0.4, 3.0), and 1.9% for angiography studies (n = 2068; 95% CI 0.5, 4.0). The AOB is sufficiently significant and should be considered when planning surgeries or radiological procedures involving the abdomen.
Topics: Humans; Angiography; Celiac Artery; Mesenteric Artery, Superior; Prevalence; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 37280432
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36316-9 -
Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy : SRA Jan 2022Woodruff's plexus is a vascular network located on the posterior lateral wall of the inferior meatus of the nasal cavity and it is generally considered to be responsible... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Woodruff's plexus is a vascular network located on the posterior lateral wall of the inferior meatus of the nasal cavity and it is generally considered to be responsible for posterior epistaxis. Despite being initially identified in 1949 as a venous plexus, discrepancies exist within literature regarding this anatomical structure, particularly its arterial or venous nature and its association with posterior epistaxis. This systematic review aims to collate information pertaining to Woodruff's plexus and evaluate our current understanding of this vascular area.
METHODS
The systematic review was performed using published data in PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, EBSCO and Web of Science platforms using keywords such as 'Woodruff', 'posterior' and 'plexus'. Articles referring to Woodruff's plexus were collected and analysed by independent reviewers.
RESULTS
The search revealed 154 papers, out of which only 40 were included in the review. Out of this number only two papers were anatomical dissection studies, both of which identify the plexus as venous in nature. Seventeen studies describe the plexus as venous by citing these two papers. The remainder of the articles (23) consider Woodruff's plexus as arterial with variability in the reported arteries that supply it.
CONCLUSION
Woodruff's original description of a venous plexus is supported by modern anatomical studies. There are a multitude of reports that Woodruff's plexus is arterial in nature, despite the absence of existing anatomical studies to support this notion. This misconception has likely arisen due to clinical associations in relation to posterior epistaxis.
Topics: Arteries; Dissection; Epistaxis; Humans; Nasal Cavity; Veins
PubMed: 34714375
DOI: 10.1007/s00276-021-02852-0 -
Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy : SRA Apr 2023The anastomosis between the posterior superior alveolar artery (PSAA) and the infraorbital artery (IOA) courses along half of the lateral wall of the maxillary sinus.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Frequency, location, and diameter of the anastomosis between the posterior superior alveolar artery and the infraorbital artery in imaging studies: systematic review and meta-analysis.
The anastomosis between the posterior superior alveolar artery (PSAA) and the infraorbital artery (IOA) courses along half of the lateral wall of the maxillary sinus. Risk of injury to the anastomosis between PSAA and IOA during surgical procedures has been reported. The aim of the present study was to carry out a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the frequency, location, and diameter of the anastomosis between PSAA and IOA in imaging studies (cone-beam computed tomography, spiral cone-beam computed tomography, and computed tomography). A search was carried out in the PubMed, EMBASE, and LILACS. Original works were included reporting imaging studies to analyze the frequency, location, and diameter of the anastomosis in humans. The risks of bias were analyzed using the AQUA tool. Generalized linear mixed models were used to estimate the frequency and the 95% CI in the meta-analysis. The variance in prevalence estimates was stabilized by logit transformation. The qualitative analysis included 49 studies with 10,837 patients. The frequency of the anastomosis between PSAA and IOA was 74% (prediction interval 0.20-0.97%). The anastomosis was most frequently located in the intraosseous region (60.0%), followed by the submembranous region (33.0%), and least frequently in an extraosseous location (5.0%). Arteries with diameter of 1.0-1.9 mm were most frequent (32.0%), followed by arteries with diameter less than 1 mm (23.0%); a small number with diameter greater than 2 mm was recorded (4.0%). These data can be used as a reference to help surgeons when planning interventions in the lateral wall of the maxillary sinus. Registration number: INPLASY, number 202120071.
Topics: Humans; Alveolar Process; Anastomosis, Surgical; Arteries; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography; Maxillary Sinus; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 36754890
DOI: 10.1007/s00276-023-03091-1 -
The Surgeon : Journal of the Royal... Dec 2021The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the prevalence of the number of sigmoid arteries (SA) and variations in their origins. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the prevalence of the number of sigmoid arteries (SA) and variations in their origins.
METHODS
A thorough systematic search of literature through February 2020 was conducted on major electronic databases to identify eligible studies. Data were extracted and pooled into a meta-analysis using Metafor package in R. The primary outcome was the variations in the SA origin (according to modified Zebrowski classification), and the secondary outcome was the prevalence of the number of SA.
RESULTS
A total of 22 studies (n = 2653 patients) were included. Type 1 modified Zebrowski (separated origins or common trunk of the SA originating from descending recto-sigmoid trunk (DRST)) was the most common origin type of the SA (pooled prevalence estimate (PPE) = 49.67% (95% CI 32. 67- 66.71)), while type 3 (separated origins or common trunk of 1 or 2 SA originating from DRST or superior rectal artery (SRA) and 1 or 2 SA originating from DRST or SRA) was the least common (PPE = 0.18%; 95% CI 0.00-2.82)). Of the Type 1 variants, the not specified (N.S) variant was by far the most prevalent. The number of SA ranged from one to five, with three being the mode (PPE = 42.3%).
CONCLUSION
This is the most comprehensive analysis of arterial vascular anatomy of the sigmoid colon. In light of the highly variable anatomical pattern displayed by the SA, thorough pre-operative knowledge of their anatomy can be crucial in minimizing incidences of iatrogenic injury.
Topics: Arteries; Humans; Rectum
PubMed: 33414045
DOI: 10.1016/j.surge.2020.11.012