Intracranial calcification is referred to calcification of parenchyma and vascular structures in brain which can be physiologic or pathologic. This study was conducted with the purpose of investigating the frequency, location, pattern, dimensions and estimated volume of intracranial physiologic calcification (IPC) by computer tomography in different age groups. In this cross-sectional retrospective study, brain computed tomography scans of 216 patients were analyzed in 9 age groups each containing 24 patients from 2 to 89 years old. Data were analyzed by SPSS software using one way analysis of variance (ANOVA, post hoc Tukey), chi square, and linear regression tests (P≤0.05 was considered significant). Rate of calcification in different areas were as follows: pineal gland (75.0%), habenula (36.4%), pineohabenula (15.0%), right lateral ventricle choroid plexus (RCP) (67.7%), left lateral ventricle choroid plexus (LCP) (62.7%), falx cerebri (26.8%), petroclinoid ligament (13.2%), tentorium cerebelli (6.8%), third ventricle choroid plexus (0.9%), fourth ventricle choroid plexus (2.7%), basal ganglia (0.9%). A significant correlation exists between the presence of calcification in pineal, habenula, RCP, and LCP (P≤0.001). Nodular shape of calcification was dominant (47.9%). Estimated volume of pineal calcification showed increased levels in group 8 (70–79 years old) compared to group 2 (10–19 years old) (P≤0.05). Since the accurate description of radiologic appearance of IPCs (location, shape, and size) accompanied with age and clinical manifestation is of great importance in diagnosis and distinguishing from pathologic calcification—for example in patients with melatonin dysregulation or schizophrenic patients—this study was required.

Anatomy as an indispensable part of the medical curricula, offering impeccable knowledge, prepares the students to enter the practical atmosphere. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical application of anatomy courses of the medical students in Zanjan University of Medical Sciences. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2015 with census sampling on all clinical students (trainees and interns). To collect feedback from students, the questionnaire designed by researchers was used. The Likert rating scale of very high, high, medium, low, and very low was considered and scores of 5 (very high) to 1 (very low) were applied. Data were analyzed by SPSS software. Among the courses of anatomy, trunk anatomy has the greatest impact on clinical courses of medical students (P<0.001). Subjects of muscular system, lymphatic system, vascular system, and nervous system were of significant clinical application during clinical periods; however, no significant clinical application observed for skeletal system (P<0.05). Teaching clinical tips by professors can help improve the performance of medical students in clinical education. In addition, using three-dimensional anatomical software is suggested as well.
Atmosphere ; Censuses ; Clinical Medicine* ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Curriculum ; Education ; Humans ; Lymphatic System ; Nervous System ; Students, Medical ; Surveys and Questionnaires