Bilateral subclavian and axillary artery anomaly

Area of Science:

• Vascular Anatomy
• Human Embryology
• Radiology

Background:

• The subclavian and axillary arteries are major vessels supplying the upper limbs.
• Congenital anomalies of these arteries are uncommon but can have significant clinical implications.
• Understanding arterial variations is crucial for surgical planning and diagnosis.

Observation:

• A case study of an asymptomatic adult female is presented.
• Bilateral absence of the third portion of both the subclavian and axillary arteries was identified.
• The anomaly was discovered incidentally during diagnostic imaging.

Findings:

• The absence affects the distal segments of these critical upper limb arteries.
• This specific bilateral presentation is exceptionally rare in medical literature.
• The patient remained asymptomatic, suggesting potential collateral circulation or adaptation.

Implications:

• This case expands the known spectrum of subclavian and axillary artery anomalies.
• It underscores the importance of detailed vascular imaging, even in asymptomatic individuals.
• Further research may elucidate the embryological basis and clinical significance of such variations.