Dr. Abebe Muche Moges

BackgroundThe brachial plexus is usually formed by the fusion of anterior primary rami of the fifth to eighth cervical and the first thoracic spinal nerves. Variations in the formation of the brachial plexus may occur. Variations in brachial plexus anatomy are important to radiologists, surgeons and anaesthesiologists performing surgical procedures in the neck, axilla and upper limb regions. These variations may lead to deviation from the expected dermatome distribution as well as differences in the motor innervation of muscles of the upper limb. This study is aimed to describe the anatomical variations of brachial plexus in its formation among 20 Ethiopian cadavers.MethodsObservational based study was conducted by using 20 cadavers obtained from the Department of Human Anatomy at University of Gondar, Bahir Dar, Addis Ababa, Hawasa, Hayat Medical College and St Paul Hospital Millennium Medical College. Data analysis was conducted using thematic approaches.ResultsA total of 20 cadavers examined bilaterally for the formation of brachial plexus. Of the 40 sides, 30 sides (75%) were found normal, seven sides (17.5%) prefixed, three sides (7.5%) postfixed and one side of the cadaver lacks cord formation.ConclusionThe brachial plexus formation in most subjects is found to be normal. Among the variants, the numbers of the prefixed brachial plexuses are greater than the postfixed brachial plexuses.

The normal growth and development of the fetus depends on the proper growth and functioning of the placenta. The macroscopic morphology of the placenta is highly affected by pre-eclampsia. This study was carried out to assess macroscopic morphological variation of the human placenta among normotensive and pre-eclamptic pregnant mothers in Northwest Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 term placentas. One hundred fifty placentas from normotensive mothers and 50 placentas from pre-eclamptic mothers were included in the study. Placental parameters such as shape, weight, diameter, thickness and number of cotyledons were examined. Fetal weight was also detected. The data were analyzed by using independent two-sample t-test and chi-square test. According to this study, the majority (68%) of placentas in normotensive participants were discoid-shaped and 18% oval. While 54% of placenta in pre-eclamptic mothers were oval-shaped and 24% were irregular. Mean placental weight, diameter and number of cotyledon in pregnant mothers with pre-eclampsia were significantly reduced as compared to normotensive mothers. The mean birth weight in pre-eclamptic pregnancies was significantly (p = 0.0001) lower than the mean birth weight in normotensive pregnancies. As a conclusion, mean fetal weight, placental weight, diameter, thickness and numbers of cotyledon in pre-eclamptic mothers were significantly lower than in normotensive mothers (p-value < 0.05). Placenta shape difference between normotensive and pre-eclamptic mothers was detected (p-value < 0.001). Keywords: Fetal weight �?? Macroscopic �?? Morphology �?? Placenta �?? Normotensive �?? Pre-eclampsia

BACKGROUND: The Circle of Willis (COW) is a vital cerebral arterial network that maintains balanced blood flow in the brain. Despite initial insights from Thomas Willis, recent research has highlighted its complex anatomical variations. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the anatomical variations of the COW in Ethiopian cadavers. METHODS: We employed a descriptive observational approach on thirty-two cadavers. Detailed morphological examinations of the COW were performed following meticulous dissection at various Ethiopian universities. RESULTS: Significant anatomical variations were observed, particularly in the anterior divisions of the COW, with 57.14% of cases exhibiting notable differences. Variations in the anterior communicating artery (62.5%) and anterior cerebral artery (37.5%) were particularly diverse. In the posterior segment, 66.6% of anomalies involved unilateral right hypoplastic posterior communicating arteries, and bilateral hypoplastic posterior cerebral arteries were noted in two male cadavers. Essential vessels were present in all specimens. CONCLUSION: Comparative analysis with global studies reveals both similarities and differences, highlighting genetic and methodological influences. Recognizing these variations is crucial for diagnosing cerebrovascular diseases and managing intracranial aneurysms. Further longitudinal studies using advanced imaging techniques are recommended to enhance understanding in the Ethiopian population and beyond. KEYWORDS: Circle of Willis, anterior cerebral artery, posterior cerebral artery, anterior communicating artery, posterior communicating artery