Athanasios Raikos

How useful is YouTube in learning heart anatomy

Nowadays more and more modern medical degree programs focus on self‐directed and problem‐based learning. That requires students to search for high quality and easy to retrieve online resources. YouTube is an emerging platform for learning human anatomy due to easy access and being a free service. The purpose of this study is to make a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the available human heart anatomy videos on YouTube. Using the search engine of the platform we searched for relevant videos using various keywords. Videos with irrelevant content, animal tissue, non‐English language, no sound, duplicates, and physiology focused were excluded from further elaboration. The initial search retrieved 55,525 videos, whereas only 294 qualified for further analysis. A unique scoring system was used to assess the anatomical quality and details, general quality, and the general data for each video. Our results indicate that the human heart anatomy videos available on YouTube conveyed our anatomical criteria poorly, whereas the general quality scoring found borderline. Students should be selective when looking up on public video databases as it can prove challenging, time consuming, and the anatomical information may be misleading due to absence of content review. Anatomists and institutions are encouraged to prepare and endorse good quality material and make them available online for the students. The scoring rubric used in the study comprises a valuable tool to faculty members for quality evaluation of heart anatomy videos available on social media platforms. Anat Sci Educ. 7: 12–18.

Superior thyroid artery origin in Caucasian Greeks: A new classification proposal and review of the literature.

Studies on the origin of the superior thyroid artery, define that it could originate either from the external carotid artery, (at the level of common carotid bifurcation), or from the common carotid artery. However, there is a classical anatomic knowledge that the superior thyroid artery is a branch of the external carotid artery. Variability in the anatomy of the superior thyroid artery was studied on 100 carotids. Moreover, a review about the origin of superior thyroid artery between recent and previous cadaveric, autopsy, and angiographic studies, on adults and fetuses, was carried out. The superior thyroid artery originated from the external carotid artery in 39% and at the level of carotid bifurcation and common carotid artery in 61% of cases. The anterior branches of the external carotid artery were separate in 76% of cases, while common trunks between the arteries were found in 24% of the specimens. A new classification proposal on the origin of the superior thyroid artery is also suggested. In this study, the origin of superior thyroid artery is considered at the level of the carotid bifurcation and not from the external carotid artery as stated in many classical anatomy textbooks. This has a great impact on the terminology when referring to the anterior branches of the external carotid artery, which could be termed as anterior branches of the cervical carotid artery. Head and neck surgeons must be familiar with anatomical variations of the superior thyroid artery in order to achieve a better surgical outcome. Clin. Anat. 24:699–705, 2011.

Sternalis muscle: an underestimated anterior chest wall anatomical variant

Over the recent years, an increased alertness for thorough knowledge of anatomical variants with clinical significance has been recorded in order to minimize the risks of surgical complications. We report a rare case of bilateral strap-like sternalis muscle of the anterior chest wall in a female cadaver. Its presence may evoke alterations in the electrocardiogram or confuse a routine mammography. The incidental finding of a sternalis muscle in mammography, CT, and MRI studies must be documented in a patients medical records as it can be used as a pedicle flap or flap microvascular anastomosis during reconstructive surgery of the anterior chest wall, head and neck, and breast. Moreover, its presence may be misdiagnosed as a wide range of benign and malignant anterior chest wall lesions and tumors.

High origin of a testicular artery: a case report and review of the literature

IntroductionAlthough variations in the origin of the testicular artery are not uncommon, few reports about a high origin from the abdominal aorta exist in the literature. We discuss the case of a high origin of the testicular artery, its embryology, classification systems, and its clinical significance.Case presentationWe report a very rare case of high origin of the left testicular artery in a 68-year-old Caucasian male cadaver. The artery originated from the anterolateral aspect of the abdominal aorta, 2 cm cranially to the ipsilateral renal artery. Approximately 1 cm after its origin, it branched off into the inferior suprarenal artery. During its course, the artery crossed anterior to the left renal artery.ConclusionsA knowledge of the variant origin of the testicular artery is important during renal and testicular surgery. The origin and course must be carefully identified in order to preserve normal blood circulation and prevent testicular atrophy. A reduction in gonadal blood flow may lead to varicocele under circumstances. A knowledge of this variant anatomy may be of interest to radiologists and helpful in avoiding diagnostic errors.

Etiopathogenesis of hyperostosis frontalis interna: a mystery still.

Hyperostosis frontalis interna is a morphological pattern characterized by single or multiple bony nodules situated on the inner lamina of the frontal bone. It is seldom found in males, but it is a common phenomenon among post-menopausal females in modern societies but relatively rare in antiquity. The etiopathogenesis of the trait is a matter of debate and ranges from genetic predisposition to epigenetic, while endocrine disturbances, aging, and dietary factors are also listed among the causes. We studied the frequency, characteristic features, and etiopathogenesis of the disease in recent cadaveric and dry skull specimens. The frequency of hyperostosis frontalis interna in cadavers and dry skull materials was almost identical, 12.5% and 12.3%, respectively. In cadavers, 87.5% of severe hyperostosis frontalis interna cases were found in females over 65 years-old. Interestingly, in two cadavers we found hyperostotic lesions spreading onto adjacent tissues such as the dura and falx cerebri. We provide some new aspects that may help in better understanding of the etiopathogenesis of hyperostosis frontalis interna. Thereby, we discuss the various etiopathogenesis models found in the literature.

Osteopoikilosis: a case report of a symptomatic patient

Osteopoikilosis (OP) is a very rare benign sclerosing bony dysplasia with an autosomal dominant inheritance. We describe the morphology of an osteopoikilosis male patient, associated with severe pain on wrist and hand joints, report on the relative literature and focus on clinical significance, due to mimicking capability of other more severe conditions such as bone metastases.

Sternalis Muscle: A New Crossed Subtype, Classification, and Surgical Applications

The sternalis muscle is an anatomic variation well known to anatomists, but relatively unknown to clinicians and surgeons. It is localized superficially to the pectoralis major and can cause a diagnostic dilemma during breast surgery, mammography, and computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans, as its appearance mimics tumor pathology of the region. We studied the presence of longitudinally placed muscles in the anterior thoracic wall in 45 cadavers (90 hemithoraces). In an 83-year-old white male, a rare case of crossed-type sternalis was detected on the left side. The muscle originated from the sternal head of the right sternocleidomastoid, crossed into the opposite parasternal half, and split into 2 tendons and 2 muscle bellies that inserted into the left subcostal arch region. This variant was not included in the available sternalis classifications, and an update is suggested. The muscle is of utmost importance and diagnostic value in routine mammogram screening. Moreover, it is of great value for the plastic surgeon, because identification of the variant can aid the differential diagnosis among other regional lesions. Likewise, its superficial location makes it an ideal candidate for utilization as a muscular flap in plastic reconstruction of the head and neck region.

Variable anatomical relationship of phrenic nerve and subclavian vein: clinical implication for subclavian vein catheterization

BACKGROUND During subclavian vein catheterization, a potential, but rare, hazard is the phrenic nerve injury, which compromises respiratory function. We conducted a cadaver study focused on the possible anatomical relationships between the subclavian vein and the phrenic nerve. METHODS Forty-two adult cadavers (84 heminecks) were dissected. Special attention was given to the topography of the phrenic nerve and subclavian vein. RESULTS In all but three cases (81 of 84), normal topography was present, that is, the nerve was posterior to the vein. In two cases, the phrenic nerve crossed anterior to the subclavian vein and in one case traversed the anterior wall of the subclavian vein. CONCLUSIONS Variants of the relationship of the subclavian vein and the phrenic nerve should be familiar to anaesthesiologists during subclavian vein cannulation in order to achieve successful vein approach without causing phrenic nerve palsy.

The effectiveness of virtual and augmented reality in health sciences and medical anatomy.

Although cadavers constitute the gold standard for teaching anatomy to medical and health science students, there are substantial financial, ethical, and supervisory constraints on their use. In addition, although anatomy remains one of the fundamental areas of medical education, universities have decreased the hours allocated to teaching gross anatomy in favor of applied clinical work. The release of virtual (VR) and augmented reality (AR) devices allows learning to occur through hands‐on immersive experiences. The aim of this research was to assess whether learning structural anatomy utilizing VR or AR is as effective as tablet‐based (TB) applications, and whether these modes allowed enhanced student learning, engagement and performance. Participants (n = 59) were randomly allocated to one of the three learning modes: VR, AR, or TB and completed a lesson on skull anatomy, after which they completed an anatomical knowledge assessment. Student perceptions of each learning mode and any adverse effects experienced were recorded. No significant differences were found between mean assessment scores in VR, AR, or TB. During the lessons however, VR participants were more likely to exhibit adverse effects such as headaches (25% in VR P < 0.05), dizziness (40% in VR, P < 0.001), or blurred vision (35% in VR, P < 0.01). Both VR and AR are as valuable for teaching anatomy as tablet devices, but also promote intrinsic benefits such as increased learner immersion and engagement. These outcomes show great promise for the effective use of virtual and augmented reality as means to supplement lesson content in anatomical education. Anat Sci Educ 10: 549–559.

Bilateral supernumerary sternocleidomastoid heads with critical narrowing of the minor and major supraclavicular fossae: Clinical and surgical implications

Las variaciones anatomicas del musculo esternocleidomastoideo son poco frecuentes y se refieren a su origen, insercion, y numero de cabezas. Se presenta una rara variante del musculo esternocleidomastoideo con cabezas musculares aberrantes y supernumerarias bilateralmente en un cadaver. En el lado derecho del cuello, se observaron la cabeza esternomastoidea tipica del musculo esternocleidomastoideo, y tres cabezas claviculares aberrantes de origen, espesor y terminacion variable. En el lado izquierdo, se observaron dos cabezas esternomastoideas, la medial con su patron tipico, mientras que el lateral fue supernumeraria. La porcion cleidomastoidea del musculo esternocleidomastoideo izquierdo se fusiono con el segmento esternocleidomastoideo doble. Un musculo acintado similar procedentes del tercio medio de la clavicula e insercion en el proceso transverso de la vertebra C3 fue observado. Este se conoce como el musculo cleidocervical. En el lado derecho del cuello, el triangulo cervical posterior fue disminuido, la fosa supraclavicular menor fue considerablemente estrecha, mientras que en el lado izquierdo, se disminuyo ademas a un acortamiento bilateral del espacio fosa supraclavicular importante reducir al minimo necesario para el acceso quirurgico potencial. Estos hallazgos tienen una importancia destacada para los anestesistas en el posicionamiento de aguja guiada por ecografia en el bloqueo del plexo braquial, asi como en la cateterizacion de la vena subclavia o yugular externa, y en las intervenciones quirurgicas que afecta las estructuras situadas debajo del musculo esternocleidomastoideo.