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An unusually long ligamentum arteriosum
K P Bhatnagar1, C E Wagner, E H Austin
1Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine 40292, USA.
Summary
A routine dissection revealed an unusually long ligamentum arteriosum at 40 mm. However, this length variation appears normal and has no functional significance in adults or newborns.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Embryology
Background:
- The ligamentum arteriosum is a remnant of the fetal ductus arteriosus.
- Variations in its length have been documented, but extreme lengths are rare.
Observation:
- An exceptionally long ligamentum arteriosum, measuring 40 mm, was identified during a routine laboratory dissection.
- This finding is notable as such a length for a normal ligamentum arteriosum has not been previously reported.
Findings:
- Measurements of 43 adult ligamenta ranged from 8 mm to 24 mm (mean 15.47 mm).
- Measurements of 3 newborn/stillborn ligamenta ranged from 7.5 mm to 11 mm (mean 9.5 mm).
- The observed 40 mm ligamentum arteriosum falls outside the typical range but is considered within normal variability.
Implications:
- The variability in ligamentum arteriosum length appears to be a normal anatomical finding.
- This variation is unlikely to have any functional significance in cardiovascular health.
- Further research could explore the genetic or developmental factors influencing ligamentum arteriosum length.