Rare vascular variations — the ulnar artery and superficial brachioulnar artery. A case report and review of the literature
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases are among the most common causes of death worldwide. Interventions such as percutaneous coronary intervention, used to recanalise coronary stenoses, require precise anatomical knowledge, particularly regarding vascular variations, to avoid complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In our study, we describe a rare anatomical variation of the superficial brachioulnar artery (SBUA). RESULTS: We present an SBUA originating from the brachial artery in its upper third and then running superficially in a straight course to the hand, where it assumes the full function of the ulnar artery. At the same time, the regular ulnar artery terminates as a hypoplastic vessel that exclusively supplies the local musculature. This combination expands the existing literature and highlights the clinical relevance of vascular variations. CONCLUSIONS: Our case report underscores the importance of precise preoperative imaging to identify vascular anomalies early while minimising patient safety-related complications. Additionally, this new variation of the SBUA emphasises the need to integrate anatomical variations more thoroughly into medical education and research. The latter would ensure the systematic capture of their prevalence and implications to improve clinical practice in the long run.
Source: Folia Morphologica
DOI: 10.5603/fm.106151
Language: English
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4411385062