High Origin of Radial Arteries: A Report of Two Rare Cases

Abstract

Variations in the arterial supply of the upper limb are relatively common, with reported prevalence rates ranging from 11 to 24.4%. Of these, the most commonly encountered variation in the arm is a high origin of the radial artery. However, after consecutively dissecting and examining 600 Singaporean Chinese cadavers (1,200 upper limbs), we found only two cases of this. In both cases, the brachioradial artery originated from the upper one-third of the brachial artery and continued distally as the radial artery in the forearm. The local prevalence of 0.33% of this variation is significantly lower compared against populations from other geographical regions. Although rare, recognition of the variation is of fundamental importance to clinical practice.

Upper limb principal arteries variations: A cadaveric study with terminological implication

“…We registered this variation in 6.38% (27/423) which ranks it the most common variation of the arm and forearm longitudinal arterial trunks in our study as well as in other cadaveric studies [ 1 , 3 , 6 , 9 , 11 , 12 , 15 , 16 , 45 - 50 ] – as well as radiographic or ultrasound studies – [ 25 , 51 - 58 ] – although Zhan et al (2010) reported only two cases out of 1200 limbs examined in Singapore Chinese population [ 48 ]. Based on Lippert and Pabst (1985) review [ 14 ], it is present in 8% (3% with cubital anastomosis) but the prevalence data differ a lot ( Table 7 ).…”

Morphological Assessment of Cadaveric Radial, Brachial and Subclavian Arteries: A Neurointerventional Approach

“…The incidence of high-origin RA varied from 5.9% to 12.1% among Caucasians, but it was lower in Korean cadavers, at only 2.3% 17) . However, in Singaporean Chinese cadavers, high-origin RA was found in even fewer patients, with only a 0.33% prevalence 18) . Although the differences in the RA origin among races have no clear explanation, racial differences are of great importance in clinical practice.…”