scholarly journals Computed tomography reveals hip dysplasia in the extinct Pleistocene saber-tooth cat Smilodon

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mairin A. Balisi ◽  
Abhinav K. Sharma ◽  
Carrie M. Howard ◽  
Christopher A. Shaw ◽  
Robert Klapper ◽  
...  

AbstractReconstructing the behavior of extinct species is challenging, particularly for those with no living analogues. However, damage preserved as paleopathologies on bone can record how an animal moved in life, potentially reflecting behavioral patterns. Here, we assess hypothesized etiologies of pathology in a pelvis and associated right femur of a Smilodon fatalis saber-toothed cat, one of the best-studied species from the Pleistocene-age Rancho La Brea asphalt seeps, California, USA, using visualization by computed tomography (CT). The pelvis exhibits massive destruction of the right hip socket that was interpreted, for nearly a century, to have developed from trauma and infection. CT imaging reveals instead that the pathological distortions characterize chronic remodeling that began at birth and led to degeneration of the joint over the animal’s life. These results suggest that this individual suffered from hip dysplasia, a congenital condition common in domestic dogs and cats. This individual reached adulthood but could not have hunted properly nor defended territory on its own, likely relying on a social group for feeding and protection. While extant social felids are rare, these fossils and others with similar pathologies are consistent with a spectrum of social strategies in Smilodon supported by a predominance of previous studies.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mairin A. Balisi ◽  
Abhinav K. Sharma ◽  
Carrie M. Howard ◽  
Christopher A. Shaw ◽  
Robert Klapper ◽  
...  

AbstractReconstructing the behavior of extinct species is challenging, particularly for those with no living analogues. However, damage preserved as paleopathologies on bone can record how an animal moved in life, potentially reflecting patterns of behavior. Here, for the first time, we use computed tomography (CT) to assess hypothesized etiologies of pathology in a pelvis and associated right femur of an adult Smilodon fatalis saber-toothed cat, one of the best-studied mammal species from the Pleistocene-age Rancho La Brea asphalt seeps, Los Angeles, California. The pelvis exhibits massive destruction of the right acetabulum that previously was interpreted, for nearly a century, to have resulted from trauma and infection. We evaluated this historical interpretation using CT imaging to supplement gross morphology in identifying symptoms of traumatic, infective, or degenerative arthritis. We found that the pathologic distortions are inconsistent with degenerative changes that started only later in life, as in the case of infective or traumatic arthritis. Rather, they characterize chronic remodeling that began at birth and led to degeneration of the joint over time. These findings suggest that this individual suffered from hip dysplasia, a congenital condition common in domestic dogs and cats.The individual examined in this study reached adulthood (at least four to seven years of age) but never could have hunted properly nor defended territory on its own. As such, this individual, and other critically pathologic Smilodon like it, likely survived to adulthood by association with a social group that assisted it with feeding and protection. The pathologic specimens examined here in detail are consistent with a spectrum of social strategies in Smilodon supported by a predominance of previous studies. This application of a relatively new and interdisciplinary technique to an old question therefore informs the longstanding debate between social and solitary hypotheses for the behavior of an extinct predator.


2020 ◽  
Vol 161 (47) ◽  
pp. 1995-1999
Author(s):  
László Barna ◽  
Zsuzsanna Takács-Szabó ◽  
László Kostyál

Összefoglaló. Bevezetés: Congenitalis coronariaanomáliának tekintik azokat a coronariamorfológiai rendellenességeket, melyek 1%-nál kisebb gyakorisággal fordulnak elő. Többségük nem jár tünettel, olykor azonban okozhatnak mellkasi fájdalmat, eszméletvesztést, és hirtelen halálhoz is vezethetnek. A coronariaanomáliák gyakoriságáról Magyarországon eddig csak invazív koronarográfiás adatok alapján jelent meg közlemény. Célkitűzés: Jelen vizsgálatunkban a coronariák eredési rendellenességeinek gyakoriságát mértük fel intézetünk coronaria-komputertomográfiás angiográfián átesett betegeinél. Módszer: A coronaria-komputertomográfiás vizsgálatra került betegek felvételeinek értékelésekor rögzítettük a coronariaanomália jelenlétét. A vizsgálat indikációja általában mellkasi fájdalom volt. 128 szeletes berendezést használtunk, a vizsgálatok során részben retrospektív, részben prospektív EKG-kapuzást alkalmaztunk. Eredmények: 1751 beteg komputertomográfiás angiográfiás felvételeit elemeztük. A betegek között a férfiak aránya 38,4%, a vizsgálatra kerülők életkorának átlaga pedig 58,07 ± 11,07 év volt. Eredési anomáliát 1,83%-ban találtunk, ezen belül a leggyakoribb volt a körbefutó ág (ramus circumflexus) és az elülső leszálló ág különálló eredése a bal Valsalva-sinusból (1%). A további rendellenességek a következők voltak: a jobb coronaria eredése magasan az aortából (0,34%), ramus circumflexus a jobb sinusból vagy a jobb coronariából (0,34%), jobb coronaria a bal Valsalva-sinusból (0,057%), elülső leszálló ág részben a bal Valsalva-sinusból a circumflexustól külön, részben a jobb coronariából (kettős elülső leszálló ág, 0,057%). Következtetés: Mindössze 0,057%-ban fordult elő potenciálisan tünetet okozó coronariaeredési rendellenesség (a bal sinusból eredő jobb coronaria). A komputertomográfiás angiográfia segítségével a coronariaeredés helye pontosan megállapítható, tisztázható az ér lefutása és ennek során viszonya a környező struktúrákhoz. Orv Hetil. 2020; 161(47): 1995–1999. Summary. Introduction: Congenital coronary artery anomaly is defined as a coronary morphology which occurs in less than 1% of the cases. Usually these anomalies do not result in symptoms but sometimes they can cause chest pain, syncope and sudden death. In Hungary, the prevalence of these abnormalities was published only from data of invasive coronary angiography. Objective: In this study, we evaluated the prevalence of the anomalies of coronary origin in the patients of our institution undergoing coronary computed tomography. Method: While reading the computed tomography angiograms of our patients, we registered the presence of coronary anomalies. In most of the cases, the indication of the coronary computed tomography was chest pain. A scanner with 128 detectors was used, scans were performed partly with prospective, partly with retrospective ECG gating. Results: We assessed 1751 patients. The ratio of males was 38.4%, while the average age of patients 58.07 ± 11.07 years. Anomaly of coronary origin was present in 1.83% of our patients, with the separate origin of left anterior descending and left circumflex artery being the most frequent (1%) among them. Other anomalies were as follows: high take-off of the right coronary artery from the ascending aorta (0.34%), left circumflex arising from the right sinus of Valsalva or from the right coronary (0.34%), right coronary artery from the left sinus of Valsalva (0.057%), left anterior descending arising partly from the left sinus of Valsalva, apart from the left circumflex, partly from the right coronary (dual left anterior descending artery, 0.057%). Conclusion: The prevalence of potentially symptomatic coronary anomalies was only 0.057% in our series (right coronary from the left sinus of Valsalva). The computed tomography angiography can precisely define the origin of the coronary artery, depict its run-off and its relationship to the neighbouring structures. Orv Hetil. 2020; 161(47): 1995–1999.


Author(s):  
Elif Gündoğdu ◽  
Uğur Toprak

Background: The middle ear cavity is ventilated through the aditus ad antrum. Aditus blockage contributes to the pathology of otitis media. Objective: To determine the normal values of the aditus ad antrum diameter on computed tomography and to investigate its relationship with chronic otitis media and related pathologies (tympanosclerosis and myringosclerosis). Methods: The temporal CT images of 162 individuals were evaluated retrospectively. In the axial sections, the inner diameter of the aditus was measured at the narrowest point at the cortex. The differences in diameter were compared between diseased and healthy ears. Results: In healthy individuals, the diameter was narrower in women. There was no difference between the right and left ears in healthy subjects. No correlation was found between age and diameter. In male patients with myringosclerosis, the diameter was slightly narrower on both sides but more marked on the left. In female patients with myringosclerosis, the diameter in both ears was slightly narrower. In cases of otitis media and tympanosclerosis, the diameter was less than that of healthy individuals, despite the lack of statistically significant result in all cases. Conclusion: The aditus ad antrum was narrower in diseased ears, indicating that a blocked aditus may contribute to the development of otitis media, as well as mucosal diseases.


2021 ◽  
pp. 153857442110225
Author(s):  
Giuseppe S. Gallo ◽  
Roberto Miraglia ◽  
Luigi Maruzzelli ◽  
Francesca Crinò ◽  
Christine Cannataci ◽  
...  

We report a case of successful percutaneous transhepatic, embolization of an iatrogenic extra-hepatic pseudoaneurysm (PsA) of the right hepatic artery (RHA) under combined fluoroscopic and ultrasonographic guidance. A 73-year-old man underwent percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage placement in another hospital, complicated by haemobilia and development of a RHA PsA. Endovascular embolization was attempted, resulting in coil embolization of the proper hepatic artery, and persistence of the PsA. At this point, the patient was referred to our hospital. Computed tomography and direct angiography confirmed the iatrogenic extra-hepatic PsA of the RHA, refilled by small collaterals from the accessory left hepatic artery (LHA) and coil occlusion of the proper hepatic artery. Attempted selective catheterization of these vessels was unsuccessful due to the tortuosity and very small caliber of the intra-hepatic collaterals, the latter precluding endovascular treatment of the PsA. Percutaneous trans-hepatic combined fluoroscopic and ultrasound-guided embolization of the PsA was performed with Lipiodol® and cyanoacrylate-based glue (Glubran®2). Real time fluoroscopic images and computed tomography confirmed complete occlusion of the pseudoaneurysm. Surgical repair, although feasible, was considered at high risk. In our patient, we decided to perform a percutaneous trans-hepatic combined fluoroscopic and ultrasound-guided embolization of the PsA using a mix of Lipiodol® and Glubran®2 because of the fast polymerization time of the glue allowing the complete occlusion of the PsA in few seconds, thus eliminating the risk of coil migration, reducing the risk of PsA rupture and avoid a difficult surgical repair.


Medicina ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 57 (1) ◽  
pp. 50
Author(s):  
Jun-Ho Ha ◽  
Byeong-Ho Jeong

Foreign body (FB) aspiration occurs less frequently in adults than in children. Among the complications related to FB aspiration, pneumothorax is rarely reported in adults. Although the majority of FB aspiration cases can be diagnosed easily and accurately by using radiographs and bronchoscopy, some patients are misdiagnosed with endobronchial tumors. We describe a case of airway FB that mimicked an endobronchial tumor presenting with pneumothorax in an adult. A 77-year-old man was referred to our hospital due to pneumothorax and atelectasis of the right upper lobe caused by an endobronchial nodule. A chest tube was immediately inserted to decompress the pneumothorax. Chest computed tomography with contrast revealed an endobronchial nodule that was seen as contrast-enhanced. Flexible bronchoscopy was performed to biopsy the nodule. The bronchoscopy showed a yellow spherical nodule in the right upper lobar bronchus. Rat tooth forceps were used, because the lesion was too slippery to grasp with ellipsoid cup biopsy forceps. The whole nodule was extracted and was confirmed to be a FB, which was determined to be a green pea vegetable. After the procedure, the chest tube was removed, and the patient was discharged without any complications. This case highlights the importance of suspecting a FB as a cause of pneumothorax and presents the possibility of misdiagnosing an aspirated FB as an endobronchial tumor and selecting the appropriate instrument for removing an endobronchial FB.


Author(s):  
Rin Hoshina ◽  
Hideyuki Kishima ◽  
Takanao Mine ◽  
Masaharu Ishihara

Abstract Background Transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) is a safe and useful tool. In our case, we are presenting a rare case of a patient with aortic dissection during TOE procedure. Case summary A 79-year-old woman was referred to our hospital for recurrent paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) with palpitation. Pre-procedural cardiac computed tomography (CT) showed slight dilated ascending aorta (maximum diameter: 40 mm). We decided to perform catheter ablation (CA) for AF, and recommended TOE before the CA because she had a CHADS2 score of 4. On the day before the CA, TOE was performed. Her physical examinations at the time of TOE procedure were unremarkable. At 3 min after probe insertion, there was no abnormal finding of the ascending aorta. At 5 min after the insertion, TOE showed ascending aortic dissection without pericardial effusion. After waking, she had severe back pain and underwent a contrast-enhanced CT. Computed tomography demonstrated Stanford type A aortic dissection extending from the aortic root to the bifurcation of common iliac arteries, and tight stenosis in the right coronary artery (maximum diameter; 49 mm). The patient underwent a replacement of the ascending aorta, and a coronary artery bypass graft surgery for the right coronary artery. Discussion Transoesophageal echocardiography would have to be performed under sufficient sedation with continuous blood pressure monitoring in patients who have risk factors of aortic dissection. The risk–benefit of TOE must be considered before a decision is made. Depending on the situation, another modality instead of TOE might be required.


2008 ◽  
Vol 49 (9) ◽  
pp. 987-990 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. Katada ◽  
M. Kishino ◽  
K. Ishihara ◽  
T. Takeguchi ◽  
H. Shibuya

The arterial supply of the gallbladder usually arises from the right hepatic artery. Other origins include the left, proper, and common hepatic arteries. We report cases of the cystic artery arising from the superior mesenteric artery and arising from the dorsal pancreatic artery originating in turn from the superior mesenteric artery, as demonstrated by angiography and computed tomography.


BMC Neurology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ya-Chi Chuang ◽  
Chuan-Ching Liu ◽  
I-Ching Yu ◽  
Yu-Lin Tsai ◽  
Shin-Tsu Chang

Abstract Background Global aphasia without hemiparesis (GAWH) is a rare stroke syndrome characterized by the dissociation of motor and language functions. Here, we present a case of GAWH with the patient later regaining speech fluency. Case presentation A 73-year-old man was admitted to our emergency department immediately after an episode of syncope. On arrival, we noted his global aphasia but without any focal neurologic signs. Computed tomography (CT) perfusion scans showed a large hypodense region over his left perisylvian area. Under the impression of acute ischaemic stroke, he received recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) injection and was treated as an inpatient. The patient was later discharged with GAWH status and received regular speech rehabilitation. After 14 months of rehabilitation, the patient gradually recovered his language expression ability. The degree of aphasia was evaluated with the Concise Chinese Aphasia Test (CCAT), and we obtained brain single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scans to assess cerebral blood flow. Conclusion A patient with severe impairments of Broca’s and Wernicke’s areas was able to talk fluently despite being unintelligible. SPECT revealed relative high level of radioactivity uptake in the right frontal lobe, suggesting the deficits in speech fluency could have been compensated by the right hemisphere. Although this is a single case demonstration, the results may strengthen the role of the right hemisphere in GAWH patients and suggests additional study that examines the possible benefits of stimulating activity at right homologous regions for recovering language function after global aphasia.


Author(s):  
Majid Anwer ◽  
Atique Ur Rehman ◽  
Farheen Ahmed ◽  
Satyendra Kumar ◽  
Md Masleh Uddin

Abstract Introduction Traumatic head injury with extradural hematoma (EDH) is seen in 2% of patients. Development of EDH on the contralateral side is an uncommon complication that has been reported in various case reports. Case Report We report here a case of an 18-year-old male who had a road traffic injury. He was diagnosed as a case of left-sided large frontotemporoparietal acute extradural bleed with a mass effect toward the right side. He was managed with urgent craniotomy and evacuation of hematoma. A noncontrast computed tomography (NCCT) scan performed 8 hours after postoperative period showed a large frontotemporoparietal bleed on the right side with a mass effect toward the left side. He was again taken to the operating room and right-sided craniotomy and evacuation of hematoma were performed. A postoperative NCCT scan revealed a resolved hematoma. The patient made a complete recovery in the postoperative period and is doing well. Conclusion Delayed onset epidural hematoma is diagnosed when the initial computed tomography (CT) scan is negative or is performed early and when late CT scan performed to assess clinical or ICP deterioration shows an EDH. The diagnosis of such a condition requires a high index of suspicion based on the mechanism of injury along with fracture patterns. Additionally, change in pupillary size, raised intracranial pressure, and bulging of the brain intraoperatively are additional clues for contralateral bleeding. Neurologic deterioration may or may not be associated with delayed EDH presentation. An early postoperative NCCT scan within 24 hours is recommended to detect this complication with or without any neurologic deterioration.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Arkadiusz Jundziłł ◽  
Piotr Kwieciński ◽  
Daria Balcerczyk ◽  
Tomasz Kloskowski ◽  
Dariusz Grzanka ◽  
...  

AbstractThe use of an ileal segment is a standard method for urinary diversion after radical cystectomy. Unfortunately, utilization of this method can lead to numerous surgical and metabolic complications. This study aimed to assess the tissue-engineered artificial conduit for urinary diversion in a porcine model. Tissue-engineered tubular polypropylene mesh scaffolds were used for the right ureter incontinent urostomy model. Eighteen male pigs were divided into three equal groups: Group 1 (control ureterocutaneostomy), Group 2 (the right ureter-artificial conduit-skin anastomoses), and Group 3 (4 weeks before urostomy reconstruction, the artificial conduit was implanted between abdomen muscles). Follow-up was 6 months. Computed tomography, ultrasound examination, and pyelogram were used to confirm the patency of created diversions. Morphological and histological analyses were used to evaluate the tissue-engineered urinary diversion. All animals survived the experimental procedures and follow-up. The longest average patency was observed in the 3rd Group (15.8 weeks) compared to the 2nd Group (10 weeks) and the 1st Group (5.8 weeks). The implant’s remnants created a retroperitoneal post-inflammation tunnel confirmed by computed tomography and histological evaluation, which constitutes urostomy. The simultaneous urinary diversion using a tissue-engineered scaffold connected directly with the skin is inappropriate for clinical application.


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