The ovaries are a pair of organs in the female reproductive system. They are located in the pelvis, one on each side of the uterus (the hollow, pear-shaped organ where a fetus grows). The ovaries produce eggs and female hormones (chemicals that control the way certain cells or organs function).Ovarian atrophy (a decrease in ovarian size and weight) is a normal change to an ovary as a woman ages and goes through menopause. Follow-up is not indicated for this finding.
Avascular necrosis (AVN) is the death of bone tissue due to a loss of blood supply. Although AVN is poorly understood, causes and risk factors for avascular necrosis of the hip include trauma (e.g. dislocation and fracture), chronic corticosteroid therapy, excessive alcohol intake, smoking, and other conditions that compromise blood circulation to the femoral head (the highest part of the thigh bone). In its early stages, AVN usually doesn’t cause symptoms. As the disease progresses, it may cause pain in the region of the affected hip, thigh, groin, and buttock. If avascular necrosis is not treated it can eventually cause the hip joint to collapse.
Within the brain, there are two (right and left) C-shaped structures called “lateral ventricles” that produce and contain cerebrospinal fluid (a clear, watery fluid that helps cushion the brain, circulate nutrients and remove waste). Asymmetric lateral ventricles (difference in ventricle size) may form during fetal development, and is a normal anatomic variant in 5-20% of people. Other known causes of asymmetric lateral ventricles include trauma, a lesion within the ventricle space, recent stroke and bleeding within the brain.Asymptomatic (does not cause symptoms) asymmetric lateral ventricles do not require further evaluation or management. Asymmetric lateral ventricles can cause symptoms that include headaches, seizure activity, a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain (transient ischemic attacks), and have been associated with certain neuropsychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia
The brain and spinal cord are covered by three protective membrane-linings called meninges. Sometimes, for unclear reasons, extra cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) can collect under the middle membrane - the arachnoid membrane. This leads to the formation of a benign (non-cancerous) collection of fluid called an arachnoid cyst. Arachnoid cysts account for approximately 1% of intracranial masses.Arachnoid cysts usually are asymptomatic (do not present symptoms), but sometimes can cause headaches, neurologic deficits or seizures. For asymptomatic arachnoid cysts, management can include monitoring with regular brain imaging and neurologic examinations. Surgery is only indicated if symptoms develop.
The brain and spinal cord are covered by three protective membrane-linings called meninges. The arachnoid membrane, named for its spider web-like appearance, is the thin middle layer. Blood and fluid are drained from the brain through sinuses. The superior sagittal sinus runs midline in the brain and is the largest dural venous sinus (a group of blood channels that drains blood from the brain).Arachnoid granulations are projections of the arachnoid membrane (i.e. villi) into the dural sinuses. Arachnoid granulations act as one-way valves, allowing cerebrospinal fluid to pass from the subarachnoid space into the venous (blood) circulation. They increase in size and number with age and are seen in approximately two-thirds of the population.
The aorta is the main blood vessel that exits the heart and brings oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body. Atherosclerosis is when plaque (cholesterol containing fatty deposits) builds up and hardens the blood vessels, and if it progresses, can block blood flow causing heart attack or stroke. Risk factors for atherosclerosis include high blood pressure, poor cholesterol, diabetes, and smoking.
