If unaccounted for, differences in human anatomy can lead to adverse clinical outcomes for patients. The literature describes numerous variations of branches of the brachial artery; the most common anomaly is found as high as 25% of the time, in which the brachial artery passes over the median nerve, splitting the brachial artery into superficial and deep branches. Another common variation of the forearm arterial supply includes branching of the radial artery from the brachial artery proximal to the antecubital fossa (12.5%). Herein, we report a unique variation found in a 96-year-old white whole-body formalin-fixed male donor, dissected with typical dissection techniques. Although predictably bifurcating at the cubital fossa, the relative calibers and distribution of the ulnar and radial arteries in the forearm were notably atypical. The common interosseous artery branched from the radial artery rather than the ulnar artery, and distally branched into the anterior and posterior interosseous arteries. This morphology resulted in the deep anterior forearm and entirety of the posterior forearm relying on the radial artery for perfusion. There was also a notable size difference between the ulnar and radial arteries in which the radial artery was much larger. A review of the literature revealed two articles reporting this unique anomaly. It is important clinically to understand this abnormal branching pattern, as various medical procedures involve the radial artery. The radial artery is commonly used to gain access to circulation for cardiac catheterization and stent placement and can also be accessed for cannulation for a variety of medical procedures. Awareness of radial artery dominance reduces the possibility of iatrogenic injury and increases positive clinical outcomes. This protocol was reviewed by the VCOM IRB (#2022-050).
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ETSU/oai:dc.etsu.edu:asrf-2055 |
| Date | 25 April 2023 |
| Creators | Peddibhotla, Venu, Johnston, Tullia, Lee, Twyla, Fang, Cameron, Smucker, Marchelle, Baray, Ajmal |
| Publisher | Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University |
| Source Sets | East Tennessee State University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text |
| Source | Appalachian Student Research Forum |
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