Arteriographic study of variant arterial anatomy of the upper extremities

Anatomic variations in the major arteries of the upper extremities have been reported in 11-24.4% of individuals. In a review of 100 upper extremity arteriograms, we found an overall incidence of 9%. High origin of the radial artery from the brachial artery was the most frequently encountered anomaly occurring in 7% of individuals and accounting for 78% of all anatomic variations. Origin of the radial and ulnar arteries from the axillary artery was an infrequent finding occurring in only 2% of extremities.