Variations of the radial artery in man

Variations of the radial artery are common in man. A high origin, due either to precocious bifurcation or to persistent duplication of the brachial artery, and the presence of a superficial dorsal ramus in the forearm suggest hemodynamic insufficiency of the axial vascular network allowing persistence of certain portions of the superficial system of the upper limb. Confusion of these unusual arteries with the subcutaneous veins may explain the accidental injection of drugs and distal necrosis of the limb. Knowledge of these variations may facilitate ascending catheterization of the cardiac cavities.