Unilateral accessory brachial artery: A case report with embryological background and review of the literature

INTRODUCTION: The accessory brachial artery is a rare arterial variation of the upper limb. It was observed in 0.1–0.8% of upper extremities. In comparison with the brachial artery, the accessory brachial artery has a narrow caliber. CASE PRESENTATION: During dissection of an old African male cadaver, the brachial artery was observed bifurcating into accessory brachial artery medially and main brachial artery laterally. These two arteries then rejoined in the cubital fossa, forming a common stem, which bifurcated directly into radial and ulnar arteries. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Detailed knowledge about such arterial variation is clinically essential for angiographic images evaluation, trans-ulnar or trans-radial coronary catheterization, venipuncture, traumatic injuries and fracture management, and many other procedures in the arm or the forearm. CONCLUSION: The accessory brachial artery is a rare upper limb arterial variation. Knowing such variation is essential for medical workers, especially for surgeons and radiologists.