Anatomo-topographic aspects of the brachial artery and its branches variability

Abstract

Introduction. Variation anatomy is a fundamental and highly significant field of morphology, in which every detail has an applicative value, particularly when referring to the cardiovascular system. In medical practice, due to unknown arterial variability, errors with fatal consequences can occur. Purpose of the work: Determining the peculiarities of the brachial artery (BA) and its branches variability depending on gender and laterality, according to their origin, course, number, and branching pattern. Material and methods. Brachial artery variability was studied on 70 upper limbs, collected from adult embalmed cadavers, of both genders (equal number), dissected at the Department of anatomy and clinical anatomy of the Nicolae Testemitanu SUMPh. By anatomical dissection, the BA topography, origin of its branches, and relationship with the neighboring structures were highlighted. Results. Variants of the brachial artery were established in 28.6%: 18.6% in males – 7.2% left side (LS) and 11.4% right side (RS); 10.0% in females – 4.3% LS and 5.7% RS. Identified variants: bilaterally – 11.4% (8.6% in males, 2.8% in females), unilaterally – 8.6%: 7.2% in males (2.9% LS, 4.3% RS); 1.4% in females (LS). Single variants: 14.3% – 10% in males (5.7% LS, 4.3% RS); 4.3% in females (2.9% LS, 1.4% RS). Multiple variants: 14.3% – 8.6% in males (1.4% LS, 7.2% RS); 5.7% in females (1.4% LS, 4.3% RS). Variants of origin – 12.9% (7.2% in males, 5.7% in females); variants of branching pattern – 2.9% (in the same proportion); numerical variants – 11.4% (8.6% in males, 2.8% in females), common trunks – 5.7% (1.4% in males, 4.3% in females); Variants of brachial artery bifurcation – 7.2% (4.3% in males, 2.9% in females); BA trifurcation – 4.3% (2.9% in males, 1.4% in females). Conclusions. The brachial artery and its branches are subjected to variations, presenting diverse types of variants, more frequently in males and on the right side. Numerical prevalence of the bilateral variants over the unilateral ones, while single and multiple variants were determined in the same proportion.