Search

In 2020, approximately 287,000 mothers died during pregnancy or childbirth, with one of the leading causes of maternal mortality being peripartum hemorrhage. It can be treated both pharmacologically and procedurally, for example, through uterine artery ligation, embolization, or hysterectomy. In case of procedural treatment, it is essential for the medical team to familiarize themselves with the anatomical structure of the patient's uterine arteries. Various variations in the course of this vessel are distinguished, such as the uterine artery branching as a bifurcation with the inferior gluteal artery, a common trunk of the uterine artery with another vessel, or even its duplication. Using radiological techniques such as angiography, it is possible to visualize vessels and their variations, which can allow for better patient care. Unfamiliarity with the departure and trajectory of the uterine artery may be associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications, especially after hysterectomy, where the uterine arteries close at the level of the uterus or at the beginning of their departure from the internal iliac artery. Ligating them in other place may result in ischemia of an area that should be continuously supplied with blood. Also, during surgery, special attention should be paid to possible anatomical variations of the patient's uterine artery, which, although rare, can cause intraoperative complications. A thorough analysis of the departure and trajectory of the uterine artery by physicians can prevent postoperative complications and also allow for the safe conduct of embolization procedures. The following article presents a literature review on the departure and course of the uterine artery and its variations, as well as procedural interventions related to this vessel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and Objective. Sciatica is a clinical condition characterized by pain radiating along the roots of the sciatic nerve, extending from the lumbosacral spine and buttock, through the posterior surface of the thigh and lower leg down to the foot. One of the frequent cause is piriformis syndrome where the sciatic nerve is compressed by the piriformis muscle. There are many diagnostic tests and imaging studies available, but the most crucial aspect is to exclude other causes of sciatica. The aim of the review is to present the literature describing causes, diagnosis and treatment of the piriformis syndrome. Review Methods. The review is based on 46 papers found in PubMed and PubMedCentral databases using key words: 'piriformis syndrome' and 'anatomical causes/diagnosis/treatment', published between 1947-2023. Brief description of the state of knowledge. The variability in the course of the sciatic nerve and anatomical variations of the piriformis muscle have different impacts on the onset of piriformis syndrome. The diagnosis of this condition primarily aims to exclude other causes of sciatica, as there are no precisely confirmed diagnostic criteria. The preferred treatment is non-operative. When this is unsuccessful, surgical intervention may be considered. Summary. There are numerous causes of piriformis syndrome. There is a discrepancy in the results of various studies regarding the impact of different anatomical variations of the sciatic nerve on the onset of symptoms of this condition. The primary goal of research should now be to conduct a large, representative study on patients diagnosed with sciatica, focusing on the presence of anatomical variations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and Objective.The tracheobronchial tree consists of the pathways through which air reaches the pulmonary alveoli. Anomalies in the tracheobronchial tree can be both congenital and acquired. Congenital anomalies include tracheal bronchus, accessory cardiac bronchus, lung aplasia, hypoplasia, or agenesis. The aim of this review is to summarise knowledge about the most common congenital anomalies in the tracheobronchial tree, and associated symptoms. Review Methods. The review was created based on 19 papers found in PubMed and PubMedCentral databases after searching for: 'tracheobronchial branches abnormality', 'tracheal bronchus', and 'accessory cardiac bronchus', published between 2001--2023. Brief description of the state of knowledge. Accessory cardiac bronchus (ACB) and tracheal bronchus (TB) are the 2 most common congenital anomalies of the tracheobronchial tree. The incidence of ACB ranges from 0.07% -- 0.5%, and TB between 0.9% -- 3% There are 3 types of ACB, with type I being the most common. TB is most frequently detected on the right side. Both anomalies are often asymptomatic; however, diagnosing them may be crucial in cases of recurrent symptoms of unknown origin, such as cough, haemoptysis or recurrent pneumonia. They may also contribute to complications in surgical procedures conducted on the respiratory tract or within the chest cavity. Summary. Understanding the occurrence of anatomical anomalies in the branching of the tracheobronchial tree can facilitate the diagnosis of atypical respiratory symptoms and clarify the cause of procedural failures, such as bronchoscopy, intubation or thoracic surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and Objective. Common carotid arteries are paired vessels supplying the head and neck, and in surgical practice their trifurcation can impact the effectiveness of various oncologic, reconstructive, and interventional procedures. Understanding anatomical variations is crucial for avoiding complications and improving procedural safety. The aim of the study was to review the literature and systematize knowledge regarding the anatomy of the common carotid a. trifurcation, with particular emphasis on its role in procedures such as carotid a. stenting, carotid endarterectomy, tumour embolization, glossectomy, thyroidectomy, and lymph node resection. Review Methods. A literature review (including 9 original studies and 11 case reports) was conducted, considering studies on the anatomy of the common carotid a. trifurcation based on cadaveric and radiological material. Various variants of the common carotid a. trifurcation were identified, and their frequency of occurrence documented in the study. Brief description of the state of knowledge. Based on the analyzed literature, the most frequently observed third branch of the division was the superior thyroid a. (20-76.6%). Other isolated cases included the superior laryngeal a., ascending pharyngeal a., occipital a., and lingual a. Conclusions. Analyzing the diversity of the common carotid a. trifurcation reveals its frequent occurrence, suggesting the necessity to consider this variability in head and neck medical procedures. The most common third branch is the superior thyroid a., which holds significant importance for diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in the area of the thyroid gland. While cases of large vessels, such as the vertebral a., departing from the trifurcation are rare, their consideration is crucial in procedural planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]