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Updated: Jun 11, 2025
Non-invasive Assessment of Microvascular and Endothelial Function
Published on: January 29, 2013
Arterial variations and hemodynamic impact in the upper limb: Insights from an observational study
Xin Chen1, Zhengya Yu1, Jixiang Wu2
1Department of Vascular Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
Background:
The incidence of arterial variations in the upper limb is variable among ethnic groups. However, there are only a few studies on the Asian population, particularly in China.
Objective:
This research provided the first large data series on arterial variations in the upper limb of Chinese adults.
Methods:
In this observational study, the arteries in the upper limb of consecutive patients were analyzed between July 2020 and June 2021, and the hemodynamic variables of each patient were collected.
Results:
The brachial artery deviated in 6.60% of upper limbs (11.89% of patients), and the brachioradial artery (BRA) was the most frequent variation. In the wrists of all patients, the volume flow (VF) of the BRA was lower than that of the radial artery (RA). Besides, the VF of the BRA in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) was lower than that in those without ESRD in the wrist. Additionally, in the forearms of patients without ESRD, the VF of the BRA was lower than that of the RA. In the upper arm of patients with ESRD, the VF of the brachial artery in patients with BRA was significantly lower than that in patients with RA.
Conclusion:
The incidence of arterial variations in the upper limb of Chinese adults was 6.60% (limbs) or 11.89% (patients) in this study. In our investigation, the BRA was the most common high bifurcation of the brachial artery type. Furthermore, the Chi-squared test revealed significant differences in the distribution, which was common in the right upper limb but not in sex.
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