Multiple arterial variation of the human upper limb.

A case report of multiple variations involving the arteries of the upper limb in a single cadaver is presented. In addition to the proximal origin of the arteries unusual arterial patterns on both the right and left sides were present. On the right side, the subscapular artery gave rise to a large posterior circumflex humeral artery in addition to the thoracodorsal and circumflex scapular arteries. On the left side, the radial and ulnar arteries arose from the brachial artery at the level of arm, with their origins being opposite to the usual arrangement. There was an arciform anastomosis between the radial and ulnar arteries, with the radial recurrent artery arising from the concavity of the arch. The course of both the radial and ulnar arteries was normal at the wrist and hand, except for the absence of the first palmar metacarpal artery and an early bifurcation of the second palmar metacarpal artery. The French version of this article is available in the form of electronic supplementary material and can be obtained by using the Springer LINK server located at http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00276-002-0011.