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 Abstract Arterial pattern variations of the upper limb are not uncommon. During a routine dissection of an 85-year-old male cadaver, we observed a rare constellation of a unilateral superficial ulnar artery (SUA) arising from the distal brachial artery and a low common interosseous artery (CIA) arising from the radial artery (RA) combined with the unilateral agenesis of palmaris longus (PL) in the right upper limb. The combined presence of SUA, variant CIA, and absent PL in one upper limb has not yet been reported. Such arterial variations can complicate surgeries and interventions. SUA is prone to misinterpretation as a vein, accidental cannulation, and inadvertent intraarterial drug injections leading to gangrene and loss of limb. Meticulous care of the SUA is warranted during reconstructive free forearm flap surgeries involving RA. However, the unilateral absence of PL does not result in any significant functional loss. This rare constellation should assist clinicians in reconstructive and diagnostic procedures.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases are among the most common causes of death worldwide. Interventions such as percutaneous coronary intervention, used to recanalise coronary stenoses, require precise anatomical knowledge, particularly regarding vascular variations, to avoid complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In our study, we describe a rare anatomical variation of the superficial brachioulnar artery (SBUA). RESULTS: We present an SBUA originating from the brachial artery in its upper third and then running superficially in a straight course to the hand, where it assumes the full function of the ulnar artery. At the same time, the regular ulnar artery terminates as a hypoplastic vessel that exclusively supplies the local musculature. This combination expands the existing literature and highlights the clinical relevance of vascular variations. CONCLUSIONS: Our case report underscores the importance of precise preoperative imaging to identify vascular anomalies early while minimising patient safety-related complications. Additionally, this new variation of the SBUA emphasises the need to integrate anatomical variations more thoroughly into medical education and research. The latter would ensure the systematic capture of their prevalence and implications to improve clinical practice in the long run.

Arterial variations in the upper limb are of significant clinical importance, especially in procedures such as venepunctures, coronary artery bypass grafts, trauma reconstructive surgeries, brachial plexus nerve blocks, and breast reconstructions. This report presents previously undocumented arterial variations in the upper limbs in a 95-year-old female cadaveric donor. We observed bilateral superficial ulnar arteries originating at the cubital fossa, deviating from the previously reported origin at the proximal brachial artery. We found additional variations in the branches of the axillary artery: on the right side, two superior thoracic arteries emerged from the first part of the axillary artery, an accessory branch supplied the subscapular muscle, and the large subscapular artery arising from the third part of the axillary artery gave rise to both the lateral thoracic and posterior circumflex humeral arteries. On the left side, a common trunk was identified, giving rise to the transverse cervical, dorsal scapular, and accessory lateral thoracic and subscapular arteries. Moreover, the acromial artery originated directly from the axillary artery on both sides. This case report discusses the clinical significance of these unique vascular anatomical variants, their prevalence, and potential impact, emphasizing the importance for clinicians to be aware of such variations to enhance surgical planning and patient safety.

The median artery typically regresses after two months of intrauterine life, although it may persist into adulthood in some individuals. The presence of a persistent median artery (PMA) may be associated with other anatomical variations including a bifid median nerve. In the present cadaveric study, we report a rare variation of bilateral asymmetry of PMA associated with the bifid median nerve, and unilateral variation of the origin and course of the palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve (PCBMN) which to our knowledge, is the first study to report all these variations in an individual. Classical dissection of the upper limb was performed on a 45-year-old male cadaver. The cadaver was donated to the Department of Anatomy at Kerman University of Medical Sciences. Bilateral PMA was observed in both upper limbs. The PMA originated from the ulnar artery and contributed to the formation of an incomplete superficial palmar arch (SPA) on both sides; however, the branching pattern of these arteries was different between the right and left hands. Also, a bilateral high division of the median nerve was observed proximal to the carpal tunnel. We also encountered a very rare variation of PCBMN, in which it originated from the ulnar side of the median nerve, and passed beneath the flexor retinaculum of the left hand. Awareness of anatomical variations of the median nerve and also the presence of PMA is of utmost importance due to their implication in carpal tunnel syndrome and surgical complications.

Assessment of collateral circulation to the hand is required prior to invasive procedures or harvesting of the radial artery (RA). A modified Allen’s test (MAT) is commonly used to assess palmar arch collaterals. A variety of non-invasive methods including digital pressures, plethysmography, pulse oximetry and duplex ultrasonography are available to supplement physical examination. However, no consensus exists about the proper role of the MAT and the most appropriate non-invasive test (NIT) in this situation. Interpretation of the MAT and NIT findings are also controversial. This paper reviews the anatomy and the physiologic basis for the MAT and various NITs, the pros and cons of various NITs and recommendations for the assessment of collateral circulation to the hand prior to interventions directed at the RA.

PurposeKnowledge of accessory flexor carpi ulnaris (AFCU) is not only important for proper orientation in the surgical field but it can be used for tendon transfer as well. AFCU commonly occurs with concomitant variants, and its presence should rise caution in order to prevent iatrogenic injury.MethodsDuring a routine dissection for research data collection at the Institute of Anatomy, a AFCU with concomitant variants was observed in a European cadaver fixed with Thiel’s method. A thorough review of the literature concerning all the encountered variants was performed.ResultsAFCU was found in the right upper limb with its insertion on the flexor retinaculum. Palmaris longus muscle was absent in this limb, and an accessory branch of the anterior interosseous artery coursed over the pronator quadratus muscle to anastomose with the ulnar artery 5 cm proximally to the pisiform. On the left hand, a variable lumbrical of the second finger originating from the flexor retinaculum was found, which was not described in the literature before.ConclusionsAFCU commonly occurs together with concomitant variants, and special attention is needed when performing surgery on such forearm.

Purpose The purpose of this case report is to report a rare vascular variation in the upper limbs because of its clinical importance and embryological implication. Methods During the educational dissection of a 73-year-old Korean male cadaver`s right upper limb, we found a variant branch which is originated from the thoracoacromial artery. Results The variant branch from the thoracoacromial artery ran to the distal forearm in the deep fascia. Because it finally coursed like the radial artery in the forearm and the palm, we defined the variant artery as superficial brachioradial artery (SBRA). In the cubital region a little below the intercondylar line, the brachial artery gave off a small communicating branch to SBRA, and continued as the ulnar artery. Conclusions We reported this unique variation and discussed its clinical and embryological implication.

Background Variations in the major arteries of the upper limb are estimated to be present in up to one fifth of people, and may have significant clinical implications. Case presentation During routine cadaveric dissection of a 69-year-old fresh female cadaver, a superficial brachioulnar artery with an aberrant path was found bilaterally. The superficial brachioulnar artery originated at midarm level from the brachial artery, pierced the brachial fascia immediately proximal to the elbow, crossed superficial to the muscles that originated from the medial epicondyle, and ran over the pronator teres muscle in a doubling of the antebrachial fascia. It then dipped into the forearm fascia, in the gap between the flexor carpi radialis and the palmaris longus. Subsequently, it ran deep to the palmaris longus muscle belly, and superficially to the flexor digitorum superficialis muscle, reaching the gap between the latter and the flexor carpi ulnaris muscle, where it assumed is usual position lateral to the ulnar nerve. Conclusion As far as the authors could determine, this variant of the superficial brachioulnar artery has only been described twice before in the literature. The existence of such a variant is of particular clinical significance, as these arteries are more susceptible to trauma, and can be easily confused with superficial veins during medical and surgical procedures, potentially leading to iatrogenic distal limb ischemia.

[...] the ulnar artery passes to the wrist through the Guyon's canal accompanied by the ulnar nerve.

The superficial ulnar artery (SUA) is a rare anatomical variant that usually arises either in the axilla or the arm and runs a superficial course in the forearm, enters the hand, and participates in the formation of superficial palmar arch. During the routine dissection of cadavers in the department of anatomy, whilst preparing the specimen for medical students, an unusual bilateral branch of the axillary artery was found in one of the cadavers: a rare variant of the artery known as SUA, which originates from the 2nd part of the axillary arteries of both sides. The SUA is a known anatomical variant, but the bilateral high origin from the 2nd part of the axillary artery is extremely unusual. Its occurrence is of great clinical importance to the surgical and radiological departments.