Cadaveric Study of Anatomical Variations in the Musculocutaneous Nerve and in the Median Nerve

Introduction The musculocutaneous nerve and the median nerve are branches from the lateral cord of the brachial plexus with a root value of C5, C6, and C7. The medial root of the median nerve is a branch of the medial cord. The present study aims at observing any variations in these peripheral nerves, so that this knowledge can be utilized by surgeons, anesthesiologists, and orthopedicians during surgical procedures and nerve block. Materials and Methods The present study was carried on 30 adult embalmed cadavers (60 upper limbs) in the department of anatomy of the Kasturba Medical College , Manipal, India. The infraclavicular part of the brachial plexus was dissected, and any anatomical variations in the formation and in the branching pattern of the musculocutaneous nerve and of the median nerve were noted and photographs were taken. Results The median nerve was noted to be formed from 3 roots in 8 out of 60 dissected upper limbs (13.33%). The musculocutaneous nerve was absent in 5% of the dissected limbs, and communications between these 2 nerves were noted in 13.33% of the dissected limbs. Conclusions Noted variations of the nerves may be of help to surgeons operating in the axillas and in the arms.

Histological evaluation of 400 cholecystectomy specimens

Background: A majority of gallbladder specimens show changes associated with chronic cholecystitis; however few harbour a highly lethal carcinoma. This study was conducted to review the significant histopathological findings encountered in gallbladder specimens received in our laboratory.Materials and Methods: Four hundred cholecystectomy specimens were studied over a period of five years (May, 2002 to April, 2007) received at department of pathology, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, India. Results: Gallstones and associated diseases were more common in women in the 4th to 5th decade as compared to men with M: F ratio of 1:1.33. Maximum number of patients (28.25%) being 41 to 50 years old. Histopathologically, the most common diagnosis was chronic cholecystitis (66.75%), followed by chronic active cholecystitis (20.25%), acute cholecystitis (6%), gangrenous cholecystitis (2.25%),xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis (0.50%), empyema (1%), mucocele (0.25%), choledochal cyst (0.25%), adenocarcinoma gallbladder (1.25%) and normal gallbladders (1%).Conclusion: All lesions were found more frequently in women except chronic active cholecystitis. Gallstones were present in (80.25%) cases, and significantly associated with various lesions (P value 0.009). Pigment stones were most common, followed by cholesterol stones and mixed stones. Adequate sectioning is mandatory in all cases to assess epithelial changes arising from cholelithiasis and chronic cholecystitis as it has been known to progress to malignancy in some cases.

VARIOUS ANOMALIES OF THE THORAX

During routine dissection of the thoracic region of a 55-year old male cadaver, in the department of Anatomy, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, various anomalies were noticed in the thoracic region.a) The arch of aorta gave rise to four branches, the right common carotid artery, left common carotid artery, left subclavian artery and a right subclavian artery. The origin of the right subclavian artery was to the left of the midline and in order to reach the right arm, the artery coursed behind both the trachea and oesophagus.b) Cervical rib was present on both the sides.c) Thoracic duct coursed on the same side without crossing to the left at the T5 vertebral level.d)Hemiazygos vein was underdeveloped.

TRENDS OF POISONING AMONG CHILDREN AT KASTURBA HOSPITAL, MANIPAL

Background: Pediatric poisoning is a common medical emergency and also associated with a high morbidity and mortality in children. In developing countries like India, poisoning emergencies are becoming a major cause of mortality in infants and toddlers. Among the various studies conducted on poisoning in our country, the study on poisoning is predominantly on adults and hence this study is taken up to understand the incidence of childhood poisoning cases. Method: A ten year retrospective study from January 1999 to December 2008 was conducted at the Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, to comprehend the magnitude of childhood poisoning cases at Kasturba Hospital, Manipal. Results: Insecticide poisoning was the most predominant poisoning followed by venomous bites. Conclusion: Our study examines the most common poison involved and route of intake among children to identify specific ages at risk and give suggestions so as to reduce the morbidity and mortality.