Volume 36, Issue 257 (5-2026)
J Mazandaran Univ Med Sci 2026, 36(257): 148-154 |
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Sharifi Luyeh M, Nasiri E, Zaminy A, Nasiri M, Asgari M. A Rare Axillary Artery Branching Pattern: A Case Report and Its Clinical Relevance. J Mazandaran Univ Med Sci 2026; 36 (257) :148-154
URL: http://jmums.mazums.ac.ir/article-1-22717-en.html
URL: http://jmums.mazums.ac.ir/article-1-22717-en.html
Abstract: (226 Views)
Background and purpose: The axillary artery (AA) is a critical vascular conduit for the upper limb, with branching patterns that may vary due to developmental differences and carry important clinical implications. This case report aims to describe a rare unilateral variation in the branching pattern of the AA and to discuss its clinical significance.
Materials and methods: In this case report, the left AA of a 77-year-old male Iranian cadaver was dissected during routine educational and research activities, and its branching pattern was carefully examined in detail.
Results: The first part of the AA exhibited the classical branching pattern, giving rise to the superior thoracic artery (STA). However, the second part showed a rare variation: instead of the typical thoracoacromial (TAA) and lateral thoracic arteries (LTA), three branches originated, including the LTA and a common trunk that further divided into the subscapular artery (SSA) and the posterior circumflex humeral artery (PCHA). In the third part, the anterior circumflex humeral artery (ACHA) was absent, although the continuation of the AA into the brachial artery remained normal. These findings likely result from abnormal persistence of embryonic vascular channels.
Conclusion: Awareness of rare variations in AA branching, particularly in the second part, which occurs in fewer than 12% of cases, is essential for clinicians, radiologists, and anatomists. Such knowledge plays an important role in minimizing the risk of inadvertent injury during diagnostic procedures, invasive interventions such as shoulder surgery, endovascular access procedures (e.g., TAVI), and in preventing vascular complications in patients with chronic shoulder dislocation or athletes. Preoperative imaging, such as CT angiography, is recommended to identify these variations.
Materials and methods: In this case report, the left AA of a 77-year-old male Iranian cadaver was dissected during routine educational and research activities, and its branching pattern was carefully examined in detail.
Results: The first part of the AA exhibited the classical branching pattern, giving rise to the superior thoracic artery (STA). However, the second part showed a rare variation: instead of the typical thoracoacromial (TAA) and lateral thoracic arteries (LTA), three branches originated, including the LTA and a common trunk that further divided into the subscapular artery (SSA) and the posterior circumflex humeral artery (PCHA). In the third part, the anterior circumflex humeral artery (ACHA) was absent, although the continuation of the AA into the brachial artery remained normal. These findings likely result from abnormal persistence of embryonic vascular channels.
Conclusion: Awareness of rare variations in AA branching, particularly in the second part, which occurs in fewer than 12% of cases, is essential for clinicians, radiologists, and anatomists. Such knowledge plays an important role in minimizing the risk of inadvertent injury during diagnostic procedures, invasive interventions such as shoulder surgery, endovascular access procedures (e.g., TAVI), and in preventing vascular complications in patients with chronic shoulder dislocation or athletes. Preoperative imaging, such as CT angiography, is recommended to identify these variations.
Type of Study: Case Report |
Subject:
anatomy
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