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Embryological and comparative description of the cephalic vein joining the external jugular vein: A case report
R C Araújo1, L A S Pires2, M L Andrade3
1Department of Morphology, Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University, Rua Professor Ernani Mello, 101, São Domingos, Niterói 24210-150, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Insights
This study reports a rare anatomical variation of the cephalic vein, detailing its unusual course through the deltoid muscle and connection to the external jugular vein. Understanding such variations is crucial for medical procedures and anatomical knowledge.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Vascular Surgery
- Embryology
Background:
- The cephalic vein is a major superficial vein of the upper limb, commonly used for venipuncture and arteriovenous fistula creation.
- It typically follows a predictable anatomical course, draining into the axillary vein.
- Despite its known consistency, anatomical variations can occur and have clinical significance.
Observation:
- Dissection of a male cadaver revealed an unusual cephalic vein variation.
- The vein traversed the upper third of the arm between fascicles of the deltoid muscle.
- It then passed superior to the acromion and posterior to the clavicle to join the external jugular vein.
Findings:
- This case presents a rarely described anatomical variation of the cephalic vein's termination.
- The observed variation deviates significantly from the typical drainage pathway into the axillary vein.
- The vein's course through the deltoid muscle and its connection to the external jugular vein were notable.
Implications:
- Awareness of such rare cephalic vein variations is essential for surgeons and healthcare professionals.
- Anatomical variations can impact the success and safety of procedures like central venous catheterization and fistula creation.
- This finding contributes to the understanding of vascular anatomy and its potential for significant deviation.
Abstract:
The cephalic vein arises from the radial end of the dorsal venous arch. It turns around the radial border of the forearm and passes proximally along the arm to the shoulder, where it enters the axillary vein by penetrating the clavipectoral triangle. The cephalic vein is prone to vary at the antecubital fossa, where it forms numerous anastomoses. A male cadaver fixated with a 10% formalin solution was dissected during regular anatomy lessons. It was found that the cephalic vein crossed the upper third of the arm between two fasciculi of the deltoid muscle and reached the shoulder, where it passed above the acromion and crossed the posterior border of the clavicle in order to join the external jugular vein. The cephalic vein is one of the most used veins for innumerous activities, such as venipunctures and arteriovenous fistula creation. Furthermore, it is an anatomical landmark known for its consistent anatomy, as it possesses low rates of variability. Despite that, its anatomical variations are clinically and surgically significant and healthcare professionals must be aware of the variations of this vessel. We aim to report a rarely described variation of the cephalic vein and discuss its embryological, phylogenetic and clinical features.
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