A rare variant of the superficial ulnar artery, and its clinical implications: a case report

Kithsiri J Senanayake,Sujatha Salgado,Ranil Fernando,Kosala Somarathne,Manjula J Rathnayake

doi:10.1186/1752-1947-1-128

Abstract

The superficial ulnar artery is a rare variation of the upper limb arterial system that arises from the brachial or axillary artery and runs superficial to the muscles arising from the medial epicondyle [1-3]. The incidence is about 0.7 to 7% [1,4,5]. In our routine dissections we found a superficial ulnar artery, which crossed the cubital fossa superficial to the bicipital aponeurosis making it highly vulnerable to intra-arterial injection. This is a rare variation that every medical and nursing staff member should know about.

Highlights

During the dissection of cadavers to prepare prosected specimens for the medical students of the Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Ragama, Sri Lanaka, an unusual branch of the brachial artery was found in one cadaver
One inch above the elbow, piercing the deep fascia it came to lie superficial to the bicipital aponeurosis [Fig. 2]
At the cubital fossa the artery crossed from the medial to the lateral side and passed superficial to the muscles arising from the medial epicondyle (Fig 2)

Summary

Discussion

Variations of the upper limb arterial system are well documented [1,4,5]. The presence of a superficial ulnar artery seems to be a rare variation with an incidence of 0.7%– 7% in the literature [1,4,5]. The ulnar and the radial arteries arise from the axis artery later Because of this temporal succession of emergence of principle arteries, anomalies of forearm vasculature occur[3]. In our described case the ulnar artery was superficial to the bicipital aponeurosis and in a clinical setting such a variant could be mistaken for a vein. Such misinterpretation could lead to intra-arterial injection and difficulties in angiographic procedures [5]. Demonstration of patency of the ulnar artery is very important before raising a free radial forearm flap, and can be established by Doppler flow meter.

Conclusion

Williams Peter L