Unusual Axillary Artery Branching Pattern Associated with Multiple Neural Variations

Abstract

Objective. This report presents a unilateral branching pattern of the axillary artery (AA) represented by an unusual common trunk division, vessel multiplications and concomitant neural variations.

Case Report. In a Greek male cadaver, the right AA branched into a subscapular trunk and two accessory lateral thoracic arteries of variable origin and course. Concomitantly, a high-level interconnection between the musculocutaneous and median nerves was identified, as an accessory lateral root of the median nerve. More interestingly, a rare innervation of the upper part of the latissimus dorsi muscle by a lower subscapular nerve was also revealed.

Conclusion. In-depth knowledge of the typical and variant AA branching patterns and coexisting neural variations is of paramount importance for surgeons and interventional physicians, for a safer diagnosis and for performing uneventful procedures in that area.