E5238. A Historical Journey Through Neuroradiology's Eponymous Landmarks
Authors
Valerie Vargas Figueroa;
University of Puerto Rico
Gerardo Torres Flores;
University of Puerto Rico
Christian Irizarry Cruz;
University of Puerto Rico
Gabriel Camareno Soto;
Universidad Central del Caribe
Larry Alejandro Vargas;
University of Puerto Rico
Joaquin Ortiz Cruz;
University of Puerto Rico
Background
Historically, medical eponyms have been used to refer to anatomical structures, diseases, and syndromes, usually as a tribute to the individual who described them. Even though it has been stated that the use of eponyms in medicine will become extinct, they are present in approximately 2% of titles in current publications. Their use remains controversial because some individuals believe they should be abandoned. In contrast, others believe that they are very useful for the education of the next generation of medical students, residents, and diagnostic imaging specialists. Our understanding is that knowing the history and context of each eponym can help make the concept they convey more memorable and easier to understand. Thus, this educational exhibit aims to review commonly used eponyms in neuroradiology and the circumstances that led to their creation.
Educational Goals / Teaching Points
The primary goal of this educational exhibit is to review eponyms commonly used in neuroradiology. We aim to describe the anatomical structures named after scientists who discovered and helped further their understanding. We will break down the anatomy of these eponyms regarding their clinical significance and provide examples of them in imaging studies to highlight their role in neuroradiology. Lastly, we will discuss the historical context of each structure to complement the current knowledge about them.
Key Anatomic/Physiologic Issues and Imaging Findings/Techniques
In this educational exhibit, we will discuss commonly used eponyms in neuroradiology. Each eponym describes an anatomical structure with different clinical significance. Using various imaging modalities, we will demonstrate and characterize multiple structures within the head and neck, including Broca’s area, vein of Trolard, Prussak’s space, Meckel’s cave, among others.
Conclusion
This educational exhibit highlights commonly used neuroradiology eponyms in their historical context and exalts the scientists and doctors who first described them. We will present key imaging findings for better identification and differentiation between eponymic structures, including anatomical similarity or comparable image findings. After viewing our educational exhibit, the reader should be able to recognize the salient imaging features efficiently and better appreciate named head and neck structures commonly described in neuroradiology.
