A Bilateral Aberrant Suprascapular Artery Associated with Neurovascular Structures Multiplication

Abstract

Abstract Purpose The current report describes a rare bilateral suprascapular artery (SPSA) of ectopic origin. Coexisted neurovascular aberrant structures were also identified and considered from a clinical point of view. Methods The variants were identified in a 91-year-old formalin-embalmed male cadaver, derived from a body donation program after a signed informed consent. Results In the left axilla, the SPSA emanated from the 1st part of the axillary artery, coursed between the brachial plexus lateral and medial cords, accompanied by the suprascapular nerve, and passed below the superior transverse scapular ligament. Ipsilateral coexisted variants were the lateral thoracic artery multiplication, the subscapular artery division into multiple branches, and the musculocutaneous nerve and the median nerve lateral root duplication. In the right supraclavicular area, a SPSA duplication was identified. The main artery emanated from the thyrocervical trunk in common with the transverse cervical artery and the accessory one from the dorsal scapular artery. Both SPSAs coursed over the superior transverse scapular ligament, while the suprascapular nerve ran below the superior transverse scapular ligament. Conclusions The SPSA atypical origin, course and location is clinically important, as the artery is usually identified and ligated during surgery. The SPSA atypical course below the superior transverse scapular ligament may be a risk factor for the suprascapular nerve compression.