Annals of Anatomy-Anatomischer Anzeiger最新文献

{"title":"Anatomical feasibility study on direct coaptation of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve to the tensor fasciae latae muscle nerve as a treatment for meralgia paresthetica by targeted muscle reinnervation","authors":"Jérémy Hardy ,&nbsp;Fabien Fredon ,&nbsp;Cynthia Abane ,&nbsp;Sylvaine Durand Fontanier","doi":"10.1016/j.aanat.2026.152780","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aanat.2026.152780","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Surgical treatment of meralgia paresthetica (MP) is difficult, with lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) neurectomy appearing to give the best results at the cost of a potentially painful post-resection neuroma.</div><div>The targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) surgical technique allows the axons of a damaged sensory nerve to regrow into the motor end plates of a muscle, thus preventing the formation of a neuroma.</div><div>This study describes the use of the terminal branch of the superior gluteal nerve for the tensor fasciae latae muscle (bSGN/TFL) as a recipient for LFCN regrowth for the treatment of MP by TMR.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>20 dissections were performed on 10 fresh frozen donated bodies (mean age: 81.9, sex ratio 0.5). Using a single approach, the bSGN/TFL was accessed at its entry into the TFL muscle and dissected retrogradely as far as the space between the TFL muscle and the gluteus medius muscle allowed, then sectioned. The bSGN/TFL was then coapted with the LFCN stump above the inguinal ligament.</div></div><div><h3>Main results</h3><div>In all cases, coaptation was achieved. The maximum length of bSGN/TFL that could be harvested via a single incision was 7.1 (5−11) cm. The average length of bSGN/TFL required to achieve coaptation was 5.7 (4.3–9) cm. Intraneural dissection of one of the SGN branches to the gluteus muscles was necessary in 16 cases.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion/Conclusion</h3><div>TMR appears to be the only technique capable of both treating neuropathic pain and hyperalgesia secondary to MP. This technique could be used as a first-line treatment and/or in cases where neurectomies have failed to treat MP.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50974,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Anatomy-Anatomischer Anzeiger","volume":"264 ","pages":"Article 152780"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145919371","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The supply of bodies to the Erlangen Institute of Anatomy during National Socialism","authors":"Tim S. Goldmann ,&nbsp;Michael Scholz ,&nbsp;Friedrich Paulsen ,&nbsp;Mathias Schütz ,&nbsp;Fritz Dross","doi":"10.1016/j.aanat.2025.152777","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aanat.2025.152777","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>During the Nazi era, the Institute of Anatomy of what is now Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg received bodies from institutions involved in Nazi crimes. As the body register (Leicheneingangsbuch) from April 1933 to September 1946 is missing, the provenance of anatomical body procurement at Erlangen during this period and certain specimens within the anatomical legacy collection there have remained unclear. Archival material from municipal, state and national archives, university records, and the specimens themselves were examined. Primary sources were analysed to identify the scientific use of human remains from victims of National Socialism. Secondary literature was reviewed to contextualise findings within previous research.</div><div>391 people, whose bodies were brought to the Institute of Anatomy in Erlangen from 1933 to 1944, were counted, and for 323 of them names could be reconstructed. The bodies were delivered from hospitals, nursing homes, prisons, workhouses, and execution sites. Vulnerable groups – such as patients, forced labourers, and children – were affected. The Erlangen anatomical legacy collection contains 84 datable Nazi era histological specimens (1936–1942), including identifiable victims from Munich-Stadelheim prison. Personnel and institutional continuities existed after 1945.</div><div>This study offers the first in-depth analysis of Erlangen’s anatomical body procurement during National Socialism, documenting identifiable Nazi victims. Although the original body register is missing, the findings demonstrate the need for systematic provenance research across all macroscopic and microscopic holdings and case-based investigations of identified individuals. The study provides a foundation for further, interdisciplinary research into the provenance and ethical reassessment of the anatomical collection in Erlangen.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50974,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Anatomy-Anatomischer Anzeiger","volume":"264 ","pages":"Article 152777"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145906777","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Human tissue research ethics and consent models: Global reflections in anatomical sciences","authors":"S. Singh ,&nbsp;BZ De Gama ,&nbsp;P. Pillay","doi":"10.1016/j.aanat.2025.152774","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aanat.2025.152774","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Human tissue research has evolved to include three-dimensional (3-D) printing, genetic research, digital imaging of human tissue, plastination, and the public display of human tissue. This has resulted in several concerns about ethical acquisition, storage, and use of human tissue, particularly informed consent. This empirical study obtained the perspectives and viewpoints of anatomists and researchers across five countries on the ethical components of human tissue research.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Thirty in-depth Zoom interviews were conducted with participants from South Africa, the United States of America (USA), New Zealand, Germany, and France. Participants shared their perspectives and viewpoints on informed consent models, ethical challenges surrounding human tissue research, and existing gaps in policy guidelines. The data was analysed using thematic and content analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Participants (57 %) indicated that human tissue research on the living and deceased is ethically different; hence, requires separate policy guidelines and regulations. There was a clear preference for ‘broad consent’ and ‘fully informed consent’ when conducting research on living humans and using cadaveric tissue, respectively. Key ethical challenges and policy gaps were identified as contemporary human tissue research, commercialising human tissue, consent for foetal tissue, and using unconsented skeletal collections and unidentified bodies for human tissue research.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This study highlights the moral complexity of contemporary human tissue research. It underscores the necessity for context-specific consent models and regulatory alignment for commercialisation and contemporary research uses of human tissue. Additionally, recommendations are provided to fill the policy gaps highlighted on consent models and ethical challenges in human tissue research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50974,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Anatomy-Anatomischer Anzeiger","volume":"264 ","pages":"Article 152774"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145844533","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Moving beyond the use of anatomical terms derived from the Latin word pudere — An opinion piece","authors":"Bernard Moxham ,&nbsp;Diogo Pais ,&nbsp;Odile Plaisant ,&nbsp;Beverley Kramer","doi":"10.1016/j.aanat.2025.152773","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aanat.2025.152773","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The International Federation of Associations of Anatomists (IFAA) and its Federative International Committee for Equality and Diversity in Anatomy (FICEDA) recommended that terms relation to <em>pudere</em> (to be ashamed) should be removed from <em>Terminologia Anatomica</em> (TA) for 3 reasons: 1) they are unscientific and outside the descriptive objectivity of science; 2) biologists should not regard as ’shameful' the essential functions undertaken by structures in the perineum; 3) the terms have sexist connotations that lie beyond the principles of Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity (EDI) in the anatomical sciences. The IFAA Executive subsequently required the Federative International Programme for Anatomical Terminology (FIPAT) to make ALL necessary changes to terms derived from <em>pudere</em>. However, only partial changes were enacted by FIPAT. The matter is presently unresolved and has provoked controversy. This article provides a review of the course of events and offers arguments against those criticisms levelled against changing <em>pudere</em>-related terms. In light of the IFAA’s EDI principles, and as social thought and practice generally evolve, it is essential that the terminology on <em>pudere</em> is altered to reflect acceptable and unapologetic norms.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50974,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Anatomy-Anatomischer Anzeiger","volume":"264 ","pages":"Article 152773"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145783783","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Deep learning-based tooth segmentation for enhanced visualization of dental anomalies and pathologies","authors":"Fulin Jiang ,&nbsp;Shihao Li ,&nbsp;Jialing Liu ,&nbsp;Fangyuan Cheng ,&nbsp;Guangsheng Dai ,&nbsp;Wen Liao ,&nbsp;Zhihe Zhao ,&nbsp;Juan Li","doi":"10.1016/j.aanat.2025.152771","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aanat.2025.152771","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>This study aimed to developed and validated a deep-learning method for instance-level tooth segmentation in CBCT to enhance visualization and streamline detection of dental anomalies.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The proposed deep learning model was trained in segmenting teeth in scans on data from 470 scans with various dental anomalies (e.g. caries, missing teeth, bone island, periapical periodontitis) or dental histories (e.g. filling, restoration, root canal surgery). Training involved an accelerated annotation procedure in which experts annotated some of the images in the dataset, which helped the model annotate the remaining images. Experienced dentists identified anomalies and pathologies in another 60 scans after manual interpretation or segmentation by the deep learning model.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The trained model required 7.025 ± 2.885 sec to segment teeth in a single scan with an accuracy of 0.934 ± 0.045 on the Jaccard index and mean relative volume difference of 0.075 ± 0.066. When aided by the segmentation overlays, dentists reduced anomaly-reading time by 20 %.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The proposed deep-learning framework achieves fully automated, instance-level segmentation of individual teeth in CBCT volumes with high geometric fidelity and clinically acceptable processing time. The high accuracy of the system supports its potential as a reliable tool in general dentistry.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50974,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Anatomy-Anatomischer Anzeiger","volume":"264 ","pages":"Article 152771"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145710404","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A modern AI framework integrating deep imputation, synthetic data balancing, and explainable modeling for survival prediction in horse colic","authors":"Zeynep Banu Ozger ,&nbsp;Pınar Cihan ,&nbsp;Isa Ozaydin","doi":"10.1016/j.aanat.2025.152767","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aanat.2025.152767","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as one of the most transformative tools for developing clinical decision-support systems in veterinary medicine. Despite its growing use, its full potential remains underutilized in equine medicine, an area of both high economic and clinical importance. Accurate survival prediction in horses with colic is crucial for timely intervention and improved clinical outcomes.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study aimed to predict survival outcomes in horse colic cases by developing models that combine traditional machine-learning algorithms (XGBoost, Light Gradient Boosting Machine [LightGBM], and Categorical Boosting [CatBoost]) with advanced deep-learning architectures (TabNet, Feature Tokenizer Transformer [FT_Transformer], and Neural Oblivious Decision Ensemble [NODE]). Missing clinical data were imputed using deep-learning-based approaches—Generative Adversarial Imputation Networks (GAIN-OneHot, GAIN-Emb) and Missing Data Imputation via Denoising Autoencoder (MIDAS). Class imbalance was addressed through Conditional Tabular Generative Adversarial Network (CTGAN) and Tabular Variational Autoencoder (TVAE). Model interpretability was assessed using the SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP)-based Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) framework to identify the most influential features contributing to survival prediction.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Among the tested combinations, the TVAE–GAIN-OneHot–LightGBM pipeline achieved the highest classification performance, with an area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.928, outperforming conventional statistical and machine-learning baselines. SHAP analysis revealed that total_protein, abdomo_appearance, mucous_membrane, packed_cell_volume, and temp_of_extremities were the most decisive clinical variables influencing the model’s predictions.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The findings demonstrate that ensuring data integrity, optimizing model complexity, and integrating XAI-based interpretability substantially enhance the reliability and clinical applicability of AI-driven models in veterinary medicine. The proposed framework provides a pioneering and explainable approach for developing accurate prognostic systems in equine colic, paving the way for broader AI adoption in clinical veterinary practice.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50974,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Anatomy-Anatomischer Anzeiger","volume":"264 ","pages":"Article 152767"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145695867","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Pre-foraminal vertebral artery variation in the United States: A multi-institutional cadaveric study","authors":"Jacob Tiell ,&nbsp;Jodie Foster ,&nbsp;Matt Vilburn ,&nbsp;Megan Perry ,&nbsp;Casey Boothe ,&nbsp;Erin Norcross ,&nbsp;Oheneba Boadum ,&nbsp;Marli Crabtree ,&nbsp;Nathan Tullos ,&nbsp;Caroline Gundler","doi":"10.1016/j.aanat.2025.152770","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aanat.2025.152770","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>While vertebral artery (VA) variants are uncommon, they may be more prevalent than previously reported. To date, there are no cadaveric studies that have examined VA segment 1 variations or defined normal VA anatomy in U.S. whole-body donors. This study addresses that gap through a multi-year, multi-state cadaveric analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Donors (n = 188) from Ohio, Nebraska, and Mississippi were dissected to expose the pre-foraminal VA which were then categorized as normal or variant. Collected data included artery origin, vertebral level of origin, entrance level, diameter, lengths in relaxed/taut states, distance from subclavian or carotid origin, and demographics. Data were analyzed using T tests, Chi-Square, and Fisher’s exact tests.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Normal segment 1 VA anatomy was present in 86.17 % of donors; 13.83 % exhibited anomalies, including abnormal origin (4.79 %), high entrance (10.64 %), and double VA (1.06 %). Most origin anomalies involved the left VA (LVA) originating from the aortic arch. High entrance anomalies were more frequent on the right. Anomalies decreased in donors over 80, with no sex association. The LVA had a significantly larger origin diameter than the right (5.31 mm vs. 4.77 mm; p &lt; 0.001). Tortuosity increased with age and was greater in females on the right (p = 0.025).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The U.S. anomaly prevalence for the V1 segment may be higher (13.83 %) than what is reported in the literature, particularly concerning high entrance VAs. These findings have clinical implications, as VA variants may complicate vascular procedures. Increased LVA tortuosity with age suggests remodeling, and fewer anomalies in older donors may relate to longevity. This study supports the need for region-specific anatomical data and emphasizes the importance of preoperative imaging.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50974,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Anatomy-Anatomischer Anzeiger","volume":"264 ","pages":"Article 152770"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145679633","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Establishment of an animal model of shaft femoral pseudoarthrosis in rabbits","authors":"Achraf Lajmi ,&nbsp;Najah Elmounedi ,&nbsp;Manel Mellouli ,&nbsp;Raja Amri ,&nbsp;Nizar Sahnoun ,&nbsp;Melek Turki ,&nbsp;Sami Sellami ,&nbsp;Zoubaier Ellouz ,&nbsp;Hassib Keskes","doi":"10.1016/j.aanat.2025.152766","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aanat.2025.152766","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>This study aimed to establish a novel rabbit model of femoral shaft pseudoarthrosis.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Twenty-four New Zealand White rabbits were divided into three groups. The model involved creating a femoral bone defect stabilized by an external fixator. In the control group, bone healing was assessed at 8 weeks. In the P1 and P2 groups, muscle interposition was added at the defect site, and healing was evaluated at 8 and 12 weeks, respectively. Bone healing was assessed through radiographic, macroscopic, histologic, and molecular analyses, including qRT-PCR for collagen type I (COL1A1) and RUNX2 mRNA expression.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Complete bone consolidation was observed in all rabbits in the control group. In contrast, the P1 and P2 groups showed radiological signs of pseudoarthrosis, including persistent inter-fragmentary gaps, medullary canal obliteration, and bone end resorption. Histological analysis revealed fibrocartilaginous tissue and residual muscle at the defect site. Compared to the control group, both P1 and P2 groups showed significantly less bone formation and increased fibrocartilaginous tissue. No significant difference was found between P1 and P2 in terms of fraction of bone and fibrocartilaginous tissue. Molecular analysis supported these findings, with significantly reduced expression of COL1A1 and RUNX2 in P1 group.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>We successfully established a reproducible model of femoral shaft pseudoarthrosis in rabbits, which can serve as a platform for evaluating new therapeutic strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50974,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Anatomy-Anatomischer Anzeiger","volume":"264 ","pages":"Article 152766"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-11-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145656487","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Proportional localisation of the peroneal nerve along the fibula","authors":"Gloria Maria Hohenberger ,&nbsp;Marco Johannes Maier ,&nbsp;Michael Pretterklieber ,&nbsp;Niels Hammer ,&nbsp;Bettina Pretterklieber","doi":"10.1016/j.aanat.2025.152757","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aanat.2025.152757","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>The common peroneal nerve (CPN) and the superficial peroneal nerve (SPN) are among the most commonly iatrogenically injured peripheral nerves. The aim of this study was to localize the division point of the CPN into the deep peroneal nerve (DPN) and SPN and the exit point of the SPN through the crural fascia in relation to the length of the fibula.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>101 lower extremities were included in this given study. The distance between the apex of the fibular head and the distal tip of the lateral malleolus was defined as the fibular length (FL). Measurements were taken from the apex of the fibular head to the division site of the CPN and from the tip of the lateral malleolus and the perforation point of the SPN. Data were projected proportionally along the FL and analysed using Dirichlet regression models. The rationale behind this approach was to predict the location of these anatomical characteristics in a reliable manner. Due to variations of anatomical structures depending on body length (e.g., taller people tend to have longer fibulae), it is reasonable to assume that the CPN's/SPN's location may also vary proportionally and is not fixed in relation to the lateral malleolus.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The mean FL was 37.2 cm (SD: 2.8; median: 36.9; range: 32.4–45.6; IQR: 3.6). The CPN’s division point was located at a mean of 3.3 cm (SD: 1.2; median: 3.2; range: 1.6 cm proximal to 8.2 cm distal to the tip; IQR: 1.3) distal to the apex of the fibular head, which corresponded to an interval between 3.9 % and 15.9 % of the FL, starting from the same landmark. The exit point of the SPN was at an average length of 17.1 cm (SD: 4.5; median: 17.1; range: 7–23.7; IQR: 7.9) proximal to the tip of the lateral malleolus, matching a proportional interval between 23.9 % and 69.0 % of the FL. Concerning the division point of the CPN, there was less precision (i.e., more variance) in females (p = .042) and right-sided specimens (p = .007), compared to male left-sided specimens. Regarding the SPN’s perforation point, compared to fixation with ethanol and left-sided specimens, the diversion point was higher in Thiel-specimens (p = .034) and the interaction (Thiel on the right side; p = .029).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The current results offer easily applicable data for intraoperative localisation of the peroneal nerve’s main portions at risk.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50974,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Anatomy-Anatomischer Anzeiger","volume":"264 ","pages":"Article 152757"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-11-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145650300","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Characterization of thyroid lymphatic drainage on real-time contrast-enhanced ultrasound: A mapping study in vivo","authors":"Qian Wu,&nbsp;Ying Wei,&nbsp;Zhenlong Zhao,&nbsp;Wenjia Cai,&nbsp;Jie Wu,&nbsp;Shiliang Cao,&nbsp;Na Yu,&nbsp;Tianhao Cong,&nbsp;Lili Peng,&nbsp;Yan Li,&nbsp;Shuqi Li,&nbsp;Ming’an Yu","doi":"10.1016/j.aanat.2025.152765","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aanat.2025.152765","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The in vivo lymphatic drainage pattern of the thyroid gland is a critical but poorly understood determinant of prognosis in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), as conventional imaging cannot dynamically visualize these pathways. This study aimed to systematically characterize these patterns using lymphatic contrast-enhanced ultrasound (LCEUS).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This prospective study enrolled 30 PTC patients. A microbubble contrast agent was injected into the tumor-bearing lobe. The origin, anatomical course, and terminal draining lymph nodes (LNs) of lymphatic vessels (LVs) were dynamically observed and quantitatively analyzed.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Following injection, complete enhancement of the ipsilateral lobe was achieved in all cases. Contralateral communication was observed in 76.7 % (23/30) of patients. LVs originated evenly from all poles (P ≥ 0.05). The \"Anterior to Carotid\" course was the most prominent pathway for LVs (P &lt; 0.05). Levels III and IV were the primary draining basins for LNs (P &lt; 0.05). Notably, a significant right-sided predominance in the total number of draining LNs was identified (median 8.0 vs. 4.0; P = 0.005). No drainage to Level V was observed. No significant differences were found in patients with or without Hashimoto's thyroiditis.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>LCEUS provides the first detailed, real-time map of thyroid lymphatic drainage, revealing a high incidence of contralateral communication and a previously uncharacterized right-sided anatomical predominance. These findings challenge conventional concepts of lymphatic compartmentalization and establish a novel methodology for lymphatic research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50974,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Anatomy-Anatomischer Anzeiger","volume":"264 ","pages":"Article 152765"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-11-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145625401","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}