A radial artery originating from the thoracoacromial artery

Abstract

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.