Examinando por Autor "Bruna-Mejías, Alejandro"
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Ítem A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Prevalence of Variants in the Pancreaticobiliary Duct Junction and Its Association with Cancer(MDPI, 2025-04-25) Valenzuela Fuenzalida, Juan José; Beas-Gambi, Antonia; Matta-Leiva, Josefa; Martínez-Hernández, Daniela; Milos, Daniel; Orellana-Donoso, Mathias; Suazo Santibañez, Alejandra; Bruna-Mejías, Alejandro; Sebastian Riveros, Andres; Becerra-Farfán, Álvaro; Sanchis-Gimeno, Juan; Gutierrez-Espinoza, Héctor; Bastidas-Caldes, CarlosThe objective of this study was to describe the anatomical variants of the pancreaticobiliary junction and how its position or structural change could be associated with hepatic, duodenal, and pancreatic clinical complications. Methods: We searched MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science (WOS), Google Scholar, CINAHL, and EMBASE databases from their inception up to September 2024. Results: Two authors independently performed the search, study selection, data extraction, and assessed the methodological quality with an assurance tool for anatomical studies (AQUA). Finally, the pooled prevalence was estimated using a random effects model. A total of 59 studies with a total of 22,752 participants were included in this review. The overall prevalence of the anomalous pancreaticobiliary junction (APBJ) variant was 12% (95% CI = 6% to 18%). The prevalence of cancer associated with variants of APBJ was 29% (95% CI = 23% to 34%). Conclusions: In the present anatomical systematic review and meta-analysis, we found that a longer common channel correlated with a higher prevalence of bile duct or gallbladder malignancy, due to the backward flow of bile which occurs as a result of the position and distance of the bile ducts, as well as pancreatic failing. Hence, APBJs are of great interest for gastroduodenal surgeons.Ítem A Systematic Review of Anatomical Variations of the Inferior Thyroid Artery: Clinical and Surgical Considerations(MDPI, 2025-07-23) Bruna-Mejías, Alejandro; Pérez-Farías, Carla; Prieto-Heredia, Tamara; Vergara-Vargas, Fernando; Martínez-Cid, Josefina; Sanchis-Gimeno, Juan; Afandi-Rebolledo, Sary; Valdés-Orrego, Iván; Nova-Baeza, Pablo; Suazo Santibañez, Alejandra; Valenzuela Fuenzalida, Juan José; Orellana-Donoso, MathiasThe inferior thyroid artery (ITA) is an essential component of the thyroid gland’s vasculature, with significant clinical and surgical implications due to its anatomical variability. This systematic review aimed to describe the prevalence of ITA anatomical variants and their association with clinical conditions or surgical implications. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in MEDLINE, Web of Science, Google Scholar, CINAHL, Scopus, and EMBASE on 20 November 2025. Eligibility criteria included studies reporting on the presence of ITA variants and their correlation with pathologies. Two authors independently screened the literature, extracted data, and assessed methodological quality using the AQUA and JBI tools. Results: Of the 2647 articles identified, 19 studies involving 1118 subjects/cadavers were included. Variations in ITA origin, absence, and additional arteries were reported, with the most common variant being direct origin from the subclavian artery. Clinically, these variations were associated with increased risk of intraoperative hemorrhage, potential nerve damage, and challenges in preoperative planning, particularly during thyroidectomy and other neck procedures. Conclusions: Understanding the anatomical diversity of the ITA is crucial for reducing surgical risks and improving patient outcomes. The review highlighted the need for more standardized research protocols and comprehensive data reporting to enhance the quality of evidence in this domain. Preoperative imaging and thorough anatomical assessments tailored to individual patient profiles, considering ethnic and gender-related differences, are essential for safe surgical interventions in the thyroid region.Ítem Anatomical variants in pancreatic irrigation and their clinical considerations for the pancreatic approach and surrounding structures: a systematic review with meta-analysis(MDPI, 2025-02-19) Valenzuela Fuenzalida, Juan José; Núñez-Castro, Camila Ignacia; Morán-Durán, Valeria Belén; Nova-Baeza, Pablo; Orellana-Donoso, Mathias; Suazo Santibañez, Alejandra; Becerra-Farfán, Álvaro; Oyanedel-Amaro, Gustavo; Bruna-Mejías, Alejandro; Granite, Guinevere; Casanova-Martinez, Daniel; Sanchis-Gimeno, JuanBackground and Objectives: The pancreas receives blood through a complex network of multiple branches, primarily originating from the celiac trunk (CeT) and the superior mesenteric artery (SMA). This blood supply is structured into three main arterial groups, each serving different regions of the pancreas to effectively support its endocrine and exocrine functions. Materials and Methods: The databases Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) and Latin American and the Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS) were searched until January 2025. Methodological quality was evaluated using an assurance tool for anatomical studies (AQUA). Pooled prevalence was estimated using a random effects model. Results: A total of sixteen studies met the established selection criteria in this study for meta-analysis. Pancreatic irrigation variants presented a prevalence of 11.2% (CI: 7–14%) and a heterogeneity of 88.2%. The other studies were analyzed by subgroups, showing statistically significant differences in the following subgroups: (1) sample type—a larger sample of images analyzed in the included studies (p = 0.312), which did not show statistically significant differences; (2) geographical region (p = 0.041), which showed a greater presence in the Asian population studied, and this was statistically significant; and (3) sex (male or female) (p = 0.12), where there were no statistically significant differences. Conclusions: The discovery of variations in pancreatic irrigation is common due to the numerous blood vessels involved in supplying this vital organ. Understanding different vascular patterns (such as those from the splenic and mesenteric arteries) is crucial for surgical interventions on the pancreas. For transplant patients, a thorough vascular analysis of both the donor and recipient is essential. Variations can impact blood flow and compatibility, potentially leading to transplant rejection if not addressed. To enhance outcomes, it is recommended to develop more accurate imaging tools for pre-surgical analysis, necessitating ongoing research in this area.Ítem Anatomical variants of the origin of the coronary arteries: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prevalence(MDPI, 2024-06-24) Valenzuela Fuenzalida, Juan José; Becerra Rodriguez, Emelyn; Quivira Muñoz, Alonso; Baez Flores, Belén; Escalona Manzo , Catalina; Orellana-Donoso, Mathias; Nova Baeza, Pablo; Suazo Santibañez, Alejandra; Bruna-Mejías, Alejandro; Sanchis Gimeno, Juan; Gutiérrez Espinoza, Héctor; Granite, GuiniverePurpose: The most common anomaly is an anomalous left coronary artery originating from the pulmonary artery. These variants can be different and depend on the location as well as how they present themselves in their anatomical distribution and their symptomatological relationship. For these reasons, this review aims to identify the variants of the coronary artery and how they are associated with different clinical conditions. Methods: The databases Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, CINAHL, and LILACS were researched until January 2024. Two authors independently performed the search, study selection, and data extraction. Methodological quality was evaluated using an assurance tool for anatomical studies (AQUA). Pooled prevalence was estimated using a random effects model. Results: A total of 39 studies met the established selection criteria. In this study, 21 articles with a total of 578,868 subjects were included in the meta-analysis. The coronary artery origin variant was 1% (CI = 0.8-1.2%). For this third sample, the funnel plot graph showed an important asymmetry, with a p-value of 0.162, which is directly associated with this asymmetry. Conclusions: It is recommended that patients whose diagnosis was made incidentally and in the absence of symptoms undergo periodic controls to prevent future complications, including death. Finally, we believe that further studies could improve the anatomical, embryological, and physiological understanding of this variant in the heart.Ítem Anatomical variants of the renal veins and their relationship with morphofunctional alterations of the kidney: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prevalence(MDPI, 2024-04-21) Valenzuela Fuenzalida, Juan José; Vera Tapia, Karla; Urzúa Márquez, Camila; Yáñez Castillo, Javiera; Trujillo Riveros, Martín; Koscina, Zmilovan; Orellana-Donoso, Mathias; Suazo Santibañez, Alejandra; Sanchis Gimeno, Juan; Bruna-Mejías, Alejandro; Gutiérrez Espinoza, HéctorBackground: Variations in renal veins are quite common, and most people do not experience issues due to them. However, these variations are important for healthcare professionals, especially in surgical procedures and imaging studies, as precise knowledge of vascular anatomy is essential to avoid complications during medical interventions. The purpose of this study was to expose the frequency of anatomical variations in the renal vein (RV) and detail their relationship with the retroperitoneal and renal regions. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in the Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, CINAHL, and LILACS databases from their inception until January 2024. Two authors independently carried out the search, study selection, and data extraction and assessed methodological quality using a quality assurance tool for anatomical studies (AQUA). Ultimately, consolidated prevalence was estimated using a random effects model. Results: In total, 91 studies meeting the eligibility criteria were identified. This study included 91 investigations with a total of 46,664 subjects; the meta-analysis encompassed 64 studies. The overall prevalence of multiple renal veins was 5%, with a confidence interval (CI) of 4% to 5%. The prevalence of the renal vein trajectory was 5%, with a CI of 4% to 5%. The prevalence of renal vein branching was 3%, with a CI of 0% to 6%. Lastly, the prevalence of unusual renal vein origin was 2%, with a CI of 1% to 4%. Conclusions: The analysis of these variants is crucial for both surgical clinical management and the treatment of patients with renal transplant and hemodialysis.Ítem Anatomy of vertebral artery hypoplasia and its relationship with clinical implications: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prevalence(Springer, 2024-05-19) Valenzuela Fuenzalida, Juan José; Rojas Navia, Constanza; Quirós Clavero, Amanda; Sanchis Gimeno, Juan; Rodriguez Luengo, Macarena; Nova Baeza, Pablo; Orellana-Donoso, Mathias; Becerra Farfán, Álvaro; Bruna-Mejías, Alejandro; Sepúlveda Loyola, Walter; Iwanaga, JoePurpose: The vertebral artery (VA) is a vital branch of the subclavian artery, coursing through the transverse foramina of the cervical vertebrae, and playing a crucial role in irrigating the posterior region of the arterial cerebral circle, also known as the Polygon of Willis. Among the various possible alterations that can affect the VA, vertebral artery hypoplasia (HAV) emerges as a significant variant. This study aims to discern the anatomical features of HAV and its correlation with the clinical conditions of the posterior cerebral circulation. Methods: The databases Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, CINAHL, and LILACS were searched until January 2024. Two authors independently performed the search, study selection, and data extraction. Methodological quality was evaluated with an assurance tool for anatomical studies (AQUA). Pooled prevalence was estimated using a random effects model. Results: A total of 24 studies met the established selection criteria, with a total of 8847 subjects. In this study, 6 articles were included for the meta-analysis with a total of subjects. The average prevalence of VAH reported in each study was 11% (95% CI 10-12%); the studies had a heterogeneity of 41% based on the funnel plot and a low risk of bias. Conclusion: The prevalence of VAH is low, but in the presence of this condition, the changes are mainly in diameter rather than morphological. If it is present, some clinical safeguards must be taken to avoid complications such as stroke.Ítem Association between types of abdominopelvic cancer in patients with situs inversus total: Systematic review(Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc., 2024-02-23) Milos Brandenberg, Daniel; Koscina, Zmilovan; Ávila-Sepúlveda, Roberto; Baez, Belén; Perez Jimenez, Daniela; Nova Baeza, Pablo; Orellana-Donoso, Mathias; Bruna-Mejías, AlejandroBackground: Situs inversus is a rare congenital anatomical variant that involves a group of anomalies regarding the arrangement of intrathoracic and intraabdominal organs. Being able to find in the abdominal region the liver, gallbladder, inferior vena cava, and head of the pancreas and ascending colon on the left side of the abdomen, while on the right side there is the spleen, the stomach, the body of the pancreas, the ligament of Treitz, descending colon among others. In this same way, the thoracic organs, lungs and heart, are changed in their position in a mirror translocation. Methods: We systematically searched MEDLINE, Web of Science, Google Scholar, CINAHL, Scopus, and LILACS; the search strategy included a combination of the following terms: "Situs inversus," "Situs inversus totalis," "Cancer," "Neoplasm," "Abdominopelvic regions," and "clinical anatomy." Results: Within the 41 included studies, 46 patients with situs inversus who had cancer, in addition to being found in this organ and in these regions, we also found as a result that the majority of the studies in the research were in stage II; finally, no one study could assert the direct relationship between the situs inversus totalis and the cancer. Conclusion: If our hallmarks could make us think that more exhaustive follow-up of the stomach and other organs should be carried out in these patients, there could also be other predisposing factors for cancer, which is why more studies are suggested to give future diagnostic and treatment guidelines treatment.Ítem Clinical implications of aberrant anatomy of the common hepatic duct in liver surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis(Springer, 2024-09-27) Valenzuela Fuenzalida, Juan José; Avalos Díaz, Constanza; Droguett Utreras, Antonia; Guerra Loyola, Javier; Nova Baeza, Pablo; Orellana-Donoso, Mathias; Suazo Santibañez, Alejandra; Oyanedel Amaro, Gustavo; Sanchis Gimeno, Juan; Bruna-Mejías, Alejandro; Gkionoul Nteli, ChatzioglouIntroduction: Knowledge of anatomical variants that affect the hepatic duct (HD) are of particular clinical relevance during hepatobiliary surgical procedures. More specifically, the aberrant anatomy of the common HD is the most common anatomical variation affecting the biliary tree. Below, we describe different classifications of anatomical variants that affect this canal. According to Huang's classification, variations are determined depending on the insertion of the right posterior hepatic duct (RPHD). Materials and methods: Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, CINAHL, and LILACS databases were investigated until January 2024. The methodological quality was assessed with an anatomical studies assurance tool (AQUA). Pooled prevalence was estimated using a random effects model. For the subgroup analysis, Student's T-test was used. Results: The prevalence rate of aberrant hepatic duct (AHD) was 15% (confidence interval [CI] of 7-22%). The first subgroup had cadavers and images. For the cadavers, the prevalence was 15.83% (CI: 11.22-18.3%), while the images had a prevalence of 22.06% (CI: 18.12-25.33%). This subgroup analysis showed no statistically significant difference between these groups (p = 0.127). The second subgroup comprised the continents where the included studies were from. In this subgroup, no statistically significant differences were found (p = 0.613). Finally, regarding the right or left laterality of the HD variant, there were no statistically significant differences (p = 0.089). Conclusion: A AHD corresponds to a finding that can occur in a significant percentage of our society, which could be an accidental discovery during surgeries or present asymptomatically throughout life and be a cadaveric discovery later. We believe it is important for surgeons to have prior knowledge of the possible variants of HD to prevent possible complications during and after surgery.Ítem Comparison of the Mediterranean Diet and Other Therapeutic Strategies in Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis(MDPI, 2025-06-19) Bruna-Mejías, Alejandro; San Martin, Jessica; Arciniegas-Diaz, Danna; Meneses-Caroca, Trinidad; Salamanca-Cerda, Amelia; Beas-Gambi, Antonia; Loaiza-Giraldo, Jessica Paola; Ortiz-Ahumada, Cynthia; Nova-Baeza, Pablo; Oyanedel-Amaro, Gustavo; Orellana-Donoso, Mathias; Suazo Santibañez, Alejandra; Sanchis-Gimeno, Juan; Valenzuela Fuenzalida, Juan JoséThe Mediterranean diet (MD) is one of the healthiest diets, high in fiber, antioxidants, and unsaturated fats. MD improves lipid profiles, reduces inflammation, controls blood pressure, decreases insulin resistance, and enhances the sensitivity to this hormone, lowering the risks of Metabolic syndrome (MS). MS is characterized by central obesity, hypertension, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and type II diabetes. The objective of this study was to know the effectiveness of the MD versus other treatments in patients with MS. A systematic search across multiple databases, Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Cinahl, was conducted using keywords such as “Mediterranean diet”, “Mediterranean food”, “eat mediterranean”, “Metabolic syndrome”, and “x syndrome”. A total of 12 studies met the inclusion criteria. Mediterranean diet at different doses versus other diets or other treatments showed significant improvements in clinical parameters, including BMI (mean difference of −0.83 95% CI: −0.93 to −0.74; p < 0.00001),waist circumference (mean difference = −1.81, CI = −2.63 to −0.99, p < 0.00001) triglycerides (mean difference = −22.38, CI = −32.86 to −11.90, p < 0.00001), Glucose (mean difference = −4.28, CI = −7.64 to −0.93, p = 0.005) and, HOMA IR (mean difference = −0.72, CI = −0.78 to −0.65, p < 0.00001), and Insulin resistance (mean difference = −2.98, CI = −3.27 to −2.69, p < 0.00001), all of which improved, Although there were more outcomes, these are the most important changes for patients with metabolic syndrome. MD improves metabolic and cardiovascular health, but study heterogeneity limits the results’ generalizability. Because of that, further research is needed to standardize approaches and explore their mechanisms. MD should be part of an optimized strategy that includes education and physical activity. The strength of the evidence was very low according to the GRADE approach. Further research is needed to support the efficacy of the Mediterranean diet in patients with MS.Ítem Effectiveness of DASH Diet versus Other Diet Modalities in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis(MDPI, 2024-08-03) Valenzuela Fuenzalida, Juan José; Silva Bravo, Vicente; Moyano Valarezo, Laura; Delgado Retamal, María Fernanda; Matta Leiva, Josefa; Bruna-Mejías, Alejandro; Nova Baeza, Pablo; Orellana-Donoso, Mathias; Suazo Santibañez, Alejandra; Oyanedel Amaro, Gustavo; Gutierrez Espinoza, HéctorBackground: Metabolic syndrome refers to the coexistence of several known cardiovascular risk factors, including insulin resistance, obesity, atherogenic dyslipidemia, and hypertension. These conditions are interrelated and share underlying mediators, mechanisms, and pathways. Improvement in dietary habits has been shown to improve metabolic parameters in patients undergoing treatment with different diets. Methods: A systematic search in different databases was realized using the keywords "Metabolic syndrome", "X syndrome", "Dash dietary" and "Dash diet". Finally, six studies were included in this meta-analysis. Results: All articles comparing the DASH diet vs. other diet modalities reported significant differences in favor of the DASH diet on Systolic blood pressure (SBP) (standardized mean difference [SMD] = -8.06, confidence interval [CI] = -9.89 to -7.32, and p < 0.00001), Diastolic blood pressure (SMD = -6.38, CI = -7.62 to -5.14, and p < 0.00001), Cholesterol HDL (SMD = 0.70, CI = 0.53 to 0.88, and p < 0.00001) and Cholesterol LDL (SMD = -1.29, CI = -1.73 to -0.85, and p < 0.00001) scales. Conclusions: The DASH diet has been shown to be beneficial in altered parameters in patients with MS, and the resulting improvements can significantly affect the daily health of these patients. We therefore recommend that professionals who manage these pathologies promote the use of the DASH diet for the management of specific symptoms.Ítem Effectiveness of Vitamin D Supplementation on Biochemical, Clinical, and Inflammatory Parameters in Patients with Different Types of Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis(MDPI, 2025-09-18) Bruna-Mejías, Alejandro; Valdivia-Arroyo, Rocío; Becerra-Rodríguez, Emelyn Sofía; Clasing-Cárdenas, Ignacio; Castaño-Gallego, Yesica Tatiana; Granite, Guinevere; Orellana-Donoso, Mathias; Oyanedel-Amaro, Gustavo; Nova-Baeza, Pablo; Cifuentes-Suazo, Gloria; Suazo Santibañez, Alejandra; Sanchis-Gimeno, Juan; Gutiérrez Espinoza, Héctor; Valenzuela Fuenzalida, Juan JoséBackground and Aims: Numerous clinical and observational studies have examined the role of vitamin D in glycemic control and metabolic regulation among diabetic patients, but findings remain inconsistent. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the effects of vitamin D supplementation on glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c%), HOMA-IR, HOMA-β, LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting insulin, fasting plasma glucose, C-reactive protein, and the likelihood of reversion to normoglycemia in prediabetic individuals. Methods: A comprehensive search of multiple databases was performed using keywords including “diabetes mellitus,” “type 2 diabetes,” “vitamin D supplementation,” and “VD supplementation.” Twenty studies met the inclusion criteria. Results: Vitamin D supplementation was associated with significant improvements across several parameters, including HOMA-β (SMD = 0.71; 95% CI: 0.63–0.80; p < 0.00001), HDL cholesterol (SMD = 0.07; 95% CI: 0.05–0.09; p < 0.00001), and others (SMD = −0.40; 95% CI: −0.45 to −0.34; p < 0.00001). Conclusions: Vitamin D supplementation appears to provide beneficial effects on glycemic, lipid, and inflammatory markers in patients with diabetes and prediabetes. Specifically, supplementation significantly reduced HbA1c%, HOMA-IR, LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting insulin, fasting glucose, and C-reactive protein while increasing the rate of normoglycemia among prediabetic individuals. Further research is needed to strengthen the evidence base regarding vitamin D’s role in diabetes management.Ítem Hypoplastic and congenital absence of coronary arteries and Its correlation with clinical implications of cardiac circulation: a systematic review and meta-analysis(MDPI, 2024-04-18) Bruna-Mejías, Alejandro; Del Villar Valdebenito, Javiera; Román, Camila; Alcaíno Adasme, Catalina; Sepulveda Loyola, Walter; Orellana-Donoso, Mathias; Nova Baeza, Pablo; Suazo Santibañez, Alejandra; Becerra Farfán, Álvaro; Sanchis Gimeno, Juan; Valenzuela Fuenzalida, Juan JoséBackground: Coronary arteries originate from the first portion of the aorta, emerging from the right and left aortic sinuses. They traverse through the subepicardium and coronary sulcus to supply the myocardium during diastolic function. The objective of this review was to understand how the hypoplasia and agenesis of the coronary arteries are associated with cardiac pathologies. Methods: The databases Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, CINAHL, and LILACS were researched until January 2024. An assurance tool for anatomical studies (AQUA) was used to evaluate methodological quality. The pooled prevalence was estimated using a random effects model. Results: A total of three studies met the established selection criteria for inclusion in this meta-analysis. The prevalence of coronary artery variants was 3% (CI = 2% to 8%), with a heterogeneity of 77%. The other studies were analyzed descriptively, along with their respective clinical considerations in the presence of the variant. Conclusions: Hypoplasia and the congenital absence of the coronary arteries are often incidental findings and understanding these variants is crucial to prevent misdiagnosis. Additionally, it is essential to exercise caution when considering surgical management for hearts with these variants.Ítem Incidence and clinical implications of anatomical variations in the pancreas and Its ductal system: A systematic review and meta-analysis(MDPI, 2023-08-09) Orellana-Donoso, Mathias; Milos Brandenberg, Daniel; Benavente-Urtubia, Andoni; Guerra-Loyola, Javier; Bruna-Mejías, Alejandro; Nova-Baeza, Pablo; Becerra-Farfán, Álvaro; Sepúlveda-Loyola, Walter; Luque-Bernal, Ricardo Miguel; Valenzuela Fuenzalida, Juan JoséObjetivo: Esta revisión sistemática analiza las variantes anatómicas en el páncreas y su sistema ductal para informar sobre su asociación con patologías pancreáticas. Métodos: Realizamos una búsqueda en las bases de datos MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, CINAHL y LILACS desde su inicio hasta julio de 2023. La calidad metodológica se evaluó con la herramienta Anatomical Quality Assessment (AQUA). Finalmente, la prevalencia agrupada se estimó mediante un modelo de efectos aleatorios. Resultados: Se encontraron 55 estudios que cumplieron con los criterios de elegibilidad. La prevalencia general de páncreas divisum (PD) fue del 18% (IC del 95% = 15-21%). La prevalencia de EP asociada con pancreatitis fue del 30% (IC 95% = 1-61%). Conclusiones: Una variante anatómica del páncreas como la EP puede ser la causa de la obstrucción de la vía biliar, dando lugar a diversas complicaciones clínicas, como la pancreatitis. De ahí que conocer esta variante sea de suma importancia para los cirujanos, especialmente para quienes tratan la región gastroduodenal.Ítem Morphological Characteristics of the Double Mental Foramen and Its Relevance in Clinical Practice: An Observational Study(MDPI, 2024-04-25) Bruna-Mejías, Alejandro; Nova Baeza, Pablo; Torres Riquelme, Florencia; Delgado Retamal, María Fernanda; Orellana-Donoso, Mathias; Suazo Santibañez, Alejandra; Sepulveda Loyola, Walter; Valdés Orrego, Iván; Sabchis Gimeno, Juan; Valenzuela Fuenzalida, Juan JoséThe mental foramen (MF) is an opening found bilaterally on the anterolateral aspect of the mandible; it can be round or oval and have different diameters. One of the anatomical variants of the jaw is the presence of an accessory mental foramen (AMF). These are usually smaller than the MF and can be located above, below, or to the sides of the main MF. The objective of this study was to recognize the presence of AMF in dry jaws of the Chilean population and collect information about its clinical relevance reported in the literature. In this descriptive observational study, we have collected dried jaws obtained from three higher education institutions in Santiago de Chile, from the Department of Morphology of the Andrés Bello University, the Normal Human Anatomy Unit of the University of Santiago, and the Human Anatomy pavilion from the Faculty of Medicine of the Finis Terrae University. The samples for this research were obtained by convenience, and the observation of the jaws was carried out in the human anatomy laboratories of each institution by three evaluators independently, and a fourth evaluator was included to validate that each evaluation was correct. The sample for this research came from 260 dry jaws, showing the following findings from the total jaws studied, and to classify as an accessory MF, it will be examined and measured so that it complies with what is declared in the literature as the presence of AMF, which is between 0.74 mm. and 0.89 mm. There were 17 studies included with a sample that fluctuated between 1 and 4000, with a cumulative total of 7946 and an average number of jaws analyzed from the studies of 467.4, showing statistically significant differences between the means with the sample analyzed in this study; p = 0.095. For the cumulative prevalence of the presence of AMF, this was 3.07 in this study, and in the compared studies, the average of AMF was 8.01%, which did not present a statistically significant difference; p = 0.158. Regarding the presence of variants of unilateral AMF, this occurred in five jaws, which is equivalent to 1.84% in the sample of this study, while in previous studies, it was 7.5%, being higher on the left side than on the right. The presence of AMF is a variant with high prevalence if we compare it with other variants of the jaw. Knowledge of the anatomy and position of the AMF is crucial to analyze different scenarios in the face of surgical procedures or conservative treatments of the lower anterior dental region.Ítem Partial agenesis of the pectoralis major and minor muscle: A cadaveric case report(Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc., 2024-09-13) Bruna-Mejías, Alejandro; Orellana-Donoso, Mathias; Nova Baeza, Pablo; Suazo Santibañez, Alejandra; Oyanedel Amaro, Gustavo; Valenzuela Fuenzalida, Juan JoséRationale: The pectoralis major and minor muscles, located in the anterior chest wall, are crucial for upper limb movements. Patient concerns: Their nonsyndromic absence is rare but significant for surgical procedures involving the axillary and pectoral regions. Diagnoses: Ultrasound can confirm the diagnosis and delimit the extent of the muscular abnormality, detect abnormalities of the costal cartilages, among others. Interventions: This descriptive, cadaveric case report involves a formalin-fixed 57-year-old North American male, with no clinical or family history of similar conditions. The study was conducted at the Human Anatomy Laboratory of the School of Medicine of the universidad Finis Terrae in Santiago, Chile, in August 2022. Outcomes: We present a cadaveric case of bilateral partial agenesis of the pectoralis muscles discovered during routine dissection. The pectoralis major muscle exhibited only the clavicular portion, with the sternocostal and abdominal portions absent and replaced by a thin layer of connective tissue bilaterally. The pectoralis minor muscle showed partial muscle fibers only in the most distal and inferior portions bilaterally. Lessons: This case report is significant due to the rarity of this condition without accompanying anatomical variations. Understanding this variant is valuable for clinical situations involving the shoulder and thorax region, such as trauma to the proximal third of the humerus, clavicular region, suprascapular region, and anterior chest wall. It may complicate conservative and/or surgical treatments due to different functional and irrigation patterns in the area and is also important for educating future professionals.Ítem Prevalence and clinical consideration of anatomical variants of the splenic artery: a systematic review and meta-analysis(MDPI, 2023-03-09) Valenzuela Fuenzalida, Juan José; Martínez-Hernández, Daniela; Pérez-Jiménez, Daniela; Nova Baeza, Pablo; Becerra-Farfán, Álvaro; Orellana-Donoso, Mathias; Bruna-Mejías, Alejandro; Rodriguez Luengo, Macarena; Iwanaga, JoeBackground: The spleen is the largest secondary immune organ in the body. Knowledge regarding the normal splenic vascular anatomy and its anatomical variants is crucial in the medical practice of surgeons and radiologists and is useful for diagnostic evaluations and the guidance of various surgical procedures. Hence, in this research, we aim to characterize the behavior of the lineal or splenic artery in humans from an anatomoclinical point of view. Methods: A systematic search was carried out in electronic databases to compile the available literature on the research subject. Searches were undertaken in the following databases: Medline, Scielo, Wos, Cinahl, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The search terms were “Splenic artery”, “Splenic vascularization”, “Anatomical variations’’, “Splenic organ”, and “Clinical anatomy”. Results: From the 35 studies included in this review, clinical correlations of anatomical variations in the splenic artery with surgical procedures in the abdominal region were reported in 8 studies. These correlations are mainly associated with surgical procedures for the pancreas, liver, stomach, and bile ducts through imaging of the spleen. To verify our conclusions, the risk of bias of the anatomical studies was measured using the AQUA checklist. Conclusions: Recognition of the usual anatomy and anatomical variants of the splenic artery is crucial for both morphology professionals and clinicians addressing the abdominal region and its vascular components. In this review, we determined that the splenic artery could present a variation in its origin or entry into the splenic hilum, which could mean that in any abdominal intervention there may be complications if the splenic artery variation is overlooked. More anatomic clinical studies considering this variation in both diagnostic and surgical processes are suggested for further investigations.Ítem Systematic review and meta-snalysis: recurrent laryngeal nerve variants and their implication in surgery and neck pathologies, using the Anatomical Quality Assurance (AQUA) checklist(MDPI, 2023-04-24) Valenzuela Fuenzalida, Juan José; Baeza-Garrido, Vicente; Navia-Ramírez, María Fernanda; Cariseo-Ávila, Carolina; Bruna-Mejías, Alejandro; Becerra-Farfán, Álvaro; Lopez, Esteban; Orellana-Donoso, Mathias; Loyola-Sepulveda, WalterThe recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) is the structure responsible for sensory and motor innervation of the larynx, and it has been shown that its lesion due to a lack of surgical rigor led to alterations such as respiratory obstruction due to vocal cords paralysis and permanent phonation impairment. The objectives of this review were to know the variants of the RLN and its clinical relevance in the neck region. Methods: This review considered specific scientific articles that were written in Spanish or English and published between 1960 and 2022. A systematic search was carried out in the electronic databases MEDLINE, WOS, CINAHL, SCOPUS, SCIELO, and Latin American and Caribbean Center for Information on Health Sciences to compile the available literature on the subject to be treated and was enrolled in PROSPERO. The included articles were studies that had a sample of RLN dissections or imaging, intervention group to look for RLN variants, or the comparison of the non-recurrent laryngeal nerve (NRLN) variants, and finally, its clinical correlations. Review articles and letters to the editor were excluded. All included articles were evaluated through quality assessment and risk of bias analysis using the methodological quality assurance tool for anatomical studies (AQUA). The extracted data in the meta-analysis were interpreted to calculate the prevalence of the RLN variants and their comparison and the relationship between the RLN and NRLN. The heterogeneity degree between included studies was assessed. Results: The included studies that showed variants of the RLN included in this review were 41, a total of 29,218. For the statistical analysis of the prevalence of the RLN variant, a forest plot was performed with 15 studies that met the condition of having a prevalence of less than 100%. As a result, the prevalence was shown to be 12% (95% CI, SD 0.11 to 0.14). Limitations that were present in this review were the publication bias of the included studies, the probability of not having carried out the most sensitive and specific search, and finally, the authors’ personal inclinations in selecting the articles. Discussion: This meta-analysis can be considered based on an update of the prevalence of RLN variants, in addition to considering that the results show some clinical correlations such as intra-surgical complications and with some pathologies and aspects function of the vocal cords, which could be a guideline in management prior to surgery or of interest for the diagnostic.Ítem The adverse effects and use of bevacizumab in patients with glioblastoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis(MDPI, 2025-05-25) Bruna-Mejías, Alejandro; Silva-Bravo, Vicente; Moyano Valarezo, Laura; Delgado-Retamal, María Fernanda; Nazar-Izquierdo, Diego; Aguilar-Aguirre, Isidora; Nova-Baeza, Pablo; Orellana-Donoso, Mathias; Suazo Santibañez, Alejandra; Gutiérrez-Espinoza, Héctor; Sanchis Gimeno, Juan; Bastidas-Caldes, Carlos; Valenzuela Fuenzalida, Juan JoséA glioblastoma (GBM) is a type of tumor originating from the glial brain cells, the astrocytes, and thus belongs to the astrocytoma group. Bevacizumab (BV) is a treatment for GBM. BV is the active ingredient in the drugs Avastin®, Alymsys®, Mvasi® and ZiraBev®. It is currently approved as second-line treatment for GBM recurrence in combination with radiotherapy, and as first-line treatment for other cancers, including advanced colorectal cancer, metastatic breast cancer and advanced non-small-cell lung cancer. The objective of this systematic review was to analyze the scientific evidence from the science-based literature on the therapeutic effect and adverse effects of the drug BV in patients with GBM or GBM multiforme. Methods: We systematically searched electronic databases for the literature search, including the MEDLINE (via PubMed), SCOPUS, Google Scholar, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature and Web of Science databases, covering records from their earliest data to December 2024. Randomized or controlled clinical trials that were published in English or Spanish were included. The following keywords were used in different combinations: “Bevacizumab therapy”, “Bevacizumab pharmaceutical”, “Glioblastoma”, “Glioma” and “multiform glioblastoma”. Results: The use of Bevacizumab has been extensively studied in the scientific literature, with beneficial effects in symptom control. However, the adverse effects of BV vary across different types of carcinomas, which is why it has already been established that these adverse effects must be taken into consideration. In our meta-analysis of adverse effects, we found 14 adverse effects and estimated their prevalence, with an average of 19% (CI: 4 to 44%). The most significant vascular adverse effect was thromboembolism, which led to a greater number of complications for patients with GBM. Finally, the most common adverse effects were nausea, vomiting, fatigue and hypertension. Conclusions: While the beneficial properties of this pharmacological therapy have been observed, its adverse effect profile requires constant evaluation, as it includes vascular, blood and symptomatic adverse effects, which must be analyzed on a case-by-case basis and with great attention, especially in the case of more serious complications such as thromboembolic events.Ítem The association between anatomical variants of musculoskeletal structures and nerve compressions of the lower limb: a systematic review and meta-analysis(MDPI, 2024-03-26) Valenzuela Fuenzalida, Juan José; Inostroza Wegner, Alfredo; Osorio Muñoz, Francisca; Milos Brandenberg, Daniel; Santana Machuca, Andrés; Nova Baeza, Pablo; Orellana-Donoso, Mathias; Bruna-Mejías, Alejandro; Iwanaga, Joe; Sanchis Gimeno, Juan; Gutierrez Espinoza, HéctorObjective: The aim of this study was to describe the main anatomical variants and morphofunctional alterations in the lower limb that compress surrounding nervous structures in the gluteal region, thigh region, and leg and foot region. Methods: We searched the Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, CINAHL, and LILACS databases from their inception up to October 2023. An assurance tool for anatomical studies (AQUA) was used to evaluate methodological quality, and the Joanna Briggs Institute assessment tool for case reports was also used. Forest plots were generated to assess the prevalence of variants of the gluteal region, thigh, and leg. Results: According to the forest plot of the gluteal region, the prevalence was 0.18 (0.14–0.23), with a heterogeneity of 93.52%. For the thigh region, the forest plot presented a prevalence of 0.10 (0.03–0.17) and a heterogeneity of 91.18%. The forest plot of the leg region was based on seven studies, which presented a prevalence of 0.01 (0.01–0.01) and a heterogeneity of 96.18%. Conclusions: This review and meta-analysis showed that, in studies that analyzed nerve compressions, the prevalence was low in the thigh and leg regions, while in the gluteal region, it was slightly higher. This is mainly due to the PM region and its different variants. We believe that it is important to analyze all the variant regions defined in this study and that surgeons treating the lower limb should be attentive to these possible scenarios so that they can anticipate possible surgical situations and thus avoid surgical complications.Ítem The Effect of Diabetes Mellitus on Central Corneal Thickness Values: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis(MDPI, 2025-09-06) Uzunoglu, Arda; Valenzuela Fuenzalida, Juan José; Morales-Calderón, Karin; Aguilar-Aguirre, Isidora; Bruna-Mejías, Alejandro; Nova-Baeza, Pablo; Orellana-Donoso, Mathias; Oyanedel-Amaro, Gustavo; Suazo Santibañez, Alejandra; Sanchis-Gimeno, Juan A.; León Rojas, Jose E.; Granite, GuinevereDiabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder that can induce systemic and ocular complications. Among the latter, an increase in central corneal thickness (CCT) has been reported, potentially affecting endothelial function and increasing the risk of ocular disease. This study aimed to determine the impact of DM on CCT and to assess its correlation with diabetes duration and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. A systematic literature search was conducted in Web of Science (1980–2025) following a PICO-based strategy. Observational studies evaluating CCT in diabetic patients were included. Data were analyzed using a random-effects model. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed with χ2 test, p values, and I2 index. Publication bias was evaluated using Begg’s funnel plot and Egger’s regression test. Twenty-nine studies were included in the meta-analysis. Diabetic patients showed significantly higher CCT values compared to controls, particularly in those with long-standing DM (p < 0.001) and poor glycemic control (HbA1c, p < 0.001). Egger’s regression suggested an association between increasing CCT, disease duration, and HbA1c levels, while funnel plot asymmetry indicated potential publication bias. CCT appears to increase in patients with long-term DM and inadequate glycemic control. These findings highlight the relevance of CCT assessment as a potential indicator of corneal changes in diabetic patients.