Abnormal Communication between Lateral Thoracic Artery and Anterior Circumflex Humeral Artery - a Case Report

Area of Science:

• Anatomy
• Embryology
• Vascular Biology

Background:

• Axillary artery branching patterns exhibit significant anatomical variations globally.
• Understanding these variations is crucial for safe surgical and radiological procedures in the upper limb.
• Embryological development of the upper limb vascular plexus can lead to arterial anomalies.

Observation:

• A unique bilateral variation of the axillary artery was identified during a routine dissection of a 65-year-old male cadaver.
• An anomalous communicative channel was noted between the lateral thoracic artery and the anterior circumflex humeral artery.
• This aberrant vessel traversed between the two roots of the median nerve.

Findings:

• The observed variation involved an unusual connection between two major arteries supplying the shoulder and chest region.
• The communication pathway's location relative to the median nerve roots is a significant anatomical detail.
• This bilateral presentation suggests a potential developmental basis for the anomaly.

Implications:

• Knowledge of such axillary artery variations is essential for surgeons, radiologists, and anesthesiologists.
• Awareness can prevent inadvertent complications during upper limb interventions and procedures.
• This case contributes to the anatomical database of upper limb vascular anomalies, aiding in clinical practice.