Duplication of the median cubital vein – Case report with commentaries on clinical significance

Abstract

The median cubital vein is the most prominent superficial vein in the cubital region and usually the most clearly outlined vein in the entire human body. It can be found quite easily, even in obese, swollen, or shocked patients. It runs diagonally upwards, leaving the cephalic vein and traveling medially to the basilic vein. Topographical relationships make the vein particularly convenient for access in various procedures such as venous punctures. However, high-risk procedures are usually performed in other areas because unusual anatomical variations are possible. A detailed anatomical description of an unusual variant of median cubital vein duplication is presented in this report, including its communications with deep veins and topographical relationships to the bicipital aponeurosis, brachial artery, medial cutaneous nerve of the forearm, and the median nerve. The potential clinical significance of this variant is discussed.

Keywords

• Anatomical variation
• Bicipital aponeurosis
• Cubital fossa
• Medial cutaneous nerve of the forearm
• Median cubital vein
• Superficial veins