Upper limb principal arteries variations: A cadaveric study with terminological implication

Abstract

Although the variability of the upper limb arteries is a clinically important problem, the prevalence varies across the existing studies and the classification is rather complicated, uncoined, and sometimes even unclear for its simple and direct understanding and usage. Multiple case reports appearing in the last years apply incorrect, inappropriate, and sometimes misleading terminology. Here we performed an anatomical cadaveric study of the variability of the arteries of the upper limb, namely the axilla, arm and forearm, in 423 upper limbs (Central European population) embalmed with the classical formaldehyde method. We proposed the application of the Equality system based on common trunks for denomination of the axillary artery branches principal variations: truncus subscapulocircumflexus (22.9%), truncus profundocircumflexus (13.75%), and truncus bicircumflexus (13.95%). Further, we proposed the terminology system developed by Rodríguez-Niedenführ et al. for the free upper limb principal arterial trunk variations based on the origin, location (in the arm only or in the arm and forearm), and course (related to the forearm flexor muscles) of the involved artery: arteria brachialis superficialis (9.5%), arteria brachioradialis superficialis (6.4%), arteria brachioulnaris superficialis (1.9%), arteria brachiomediana superficialis (0.5%), and arteria comitans nervi mediani manus (3.3%). Extensive development of the catheterisation methods via the arteria radialis et ulnaris as well as surgical procedures using flaps based on perforating branches of these arteries (including arteria brachioradialis superficialis et brachioulnaris superficialis) necessitate thorough data on the prevalence of the variant vessels for safe performance of these procedures and to prevent any unexpected situations or to react adequately when they occur.