Multiple arterial variations in the upper limb: description and clinical relevance

• Published in: Anatomical science international 2021-03, Vol.96 (2), p.310-314
• Main Authors: Alexander, João Gabriel, de Fúcio Lizardo, Juliana Hott, da Silva Baptista, Josemberg
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anatomy; Animal Anatomy; Animal Physiology; Arm; Brachial Artery - anatomy & histology; Cadaver; Case Report; Cell Biology; Histology; Human Physiology; Humans; Male; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Middle Aged; Morphology; Neurosciences; Radial Artery - anatomy & histology; Ulnar Artery - anatomy & histology; Upper Extremity - blood supply; Variation; Veins & arteries
• ISSN: 1447-6959; 1447-073X
• DOI: 10.1007/s12565-020-00569-5

Although arterial variations in the upper limb are usually found during anatomical dissections and clinical practice, multiple arterial variations associated with nervous variations along the limb is rare and clinically relevant. This paper described a combined anatomical variation involving the neurovasculature in the upper limb. A left upper limb dissection of a male cadaver with approximately 50–60 years of age, fixed in 10% formalin, was performed. During the dissection was observed, the brachial artery ending in the middle third of the arm in three branches: a nutritional branch for the biceps brachii muscle, a “lateral brachial artery” and a “medial brachial artery”, which became, after unusual paths crossing over the cubital fossa, the ulnar artery and the radial artery, respectively. Radial and ulnar artery demonstrated several unusual anastomotic branches, respectively, and an anastomotic arch around the biceps brachii muscle tendon. Such combined anatomical variation is unique and relevant for clinical and surgical practice.