A study on the unusual course and branching patterns of arteries in the upper limb

Abstract

Background and Aim: Human body consists of blood vessels, nerves, and muscles that are not always similar to each one. Anatomical study of abnormal vessels or nerve or muscle arrangements in the body interferes of clinical diagnosis, surgical procedure, and radiological findings. Comprehensive knowledge of anatomical variations present in the body is key for patient management. Arteries of upper limb variations are more common than other variations. Arterial variations may lead to vascular neuropathy. Diagnostic errors can be eliminated by understanding these variations. The aim of the present study is to correlate clinical abnormalities with arterial course variation in the upper limb and contribute some of the previously unknown new variations to medicine. Materials and Methods: A descriptive study was conducted from 2016 to 2021 in the Department of Anatomy, Apollo Medical College, Chittoor. The study was conducted with 56 upper limbs from 28 cadavers. The arterial course and relations of each region in the upper limb were noted carefully. Results: Abnormal arterial courses and variations were considered for data collection. Out of 56 limbs, 6 variations were seen from 5 limbs. Abnormal arterial courses were found in the 2 upper limbs (3%) and abnormal arterial branches were present in the 4 upper limbs (7%). In 51 upper limbs, there were no abnormal arterial courses and branches (90%). Conclusion: Study of anatomical arterial variations helps to guide the diagnosis and treatment of patients. Hence, arterial variations present in the upper limbs are more common than in other regions of the body.

Keywords

• neurovascular variation
• subscapulohumeral artery
• superficial brachial artery
• vascular impairment