Location
Suwanee, GA
Start Date
6-5-2025 1:00 PM
End Date
6-5-2025 4:00 PM
Description
Introduction:
An anatomical vascular anomaly was identified in the left brachium of a 75-year-old Caucasian male cadaver at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) Georgia gross anatomy laboratory. The left deltoid muscle had a dual blood supply from the posterior circumflex humeral artery and the deep artery of the arm. This report describes the anomalous vascular pattern and highlights its potential clinical relevance. Awareness of anatomical variations in the vascular system is critical for optimizing outcomes in diagnostic and surgical procedures involving the upper limb.
Methods:
The cadaver was dissected during a gross anatomy laboratory at PCOM. Permissions were secured from the body donation program and the donor's family to document and publish the findings for educational purposes. The aberrant vascular pattern was measured using digital calipers and documented with photographs.
Results:
The left distal deltoid muscle received arterial supply from both the posterior humeral circumflex and an ascending branch from the deep artery of the arm. The aberrant ascending artery traveled from the deep artery of the arm and through the triceps muscle to reach the distal aspect of the deltoid. Branches from this artery anastomose with branches from the posterior humeral circumflex artery within the posterior/lateral deltoid.
Discussion:
This case report highlights a rare anatomical variation in which the left deltoid muscle receives a dual arterial supply from the posterior humeral circumflex and deep brachial arteries. Such anomalies have significant implications for surgical, diagnostic, and interventional upper limb procedures. Awareness and documentation of these variations can improve patient outcomes and minimize intraoperative and diagnostic complications. Future studies should elucidate the prevalence and functional significance of rare vascular cases.
Embargo Period
5-28-2025
Included in
Dual Arterial Supply to the Deltoid Muscle: An Aberrant Branch of the Brachial Artery in a Cadaver
Suwanee, GA
Introduction:
An anatomical vascular anomaly was identified in the left brachium of a 75-year-old Caucasian male cadaver at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) Georgia gross anatomy laboratory. The left deltoid muscle had a dual blood supply from the posterior circumflex humeral artery and the deep artery of the arm. This report describes the anomalous vascular pattern and highlights its potential clinical relevance. Awareness of anatomical variations in the vascular system is critical for optimizing outcomes in diagnostic and surgical procedures involving the upper limb.
Methods:
The cadaver was dissected during a gross anatomy laboratory at PCOM. Permissions were secured from the body donation program and the donor's family to document and publish the findings for educational purposes. The aberrant vascular pattern was measured using digital calipers and documented with photographs.
Results:
The left distal deltoid muscle received arterial supply from both the posterior humeral circumflex and an ascending branch from the deep artery of the arm. The aberrant ascending artery traveled from the deep artery of the arm and through the triceps muscle to reach the distal aspect of the deltoid. Branches from this artery anastomose with branches from the posterior humeral circumflex artery within the posterior/lateral deltoid.
Discussion:
This case report highlights a rare anatomical variation in which the left deltoid muscle receives a dual arterial supply from the posterior humeral circumflex and deep brachial arteries. Such anomalies have significant implications for surgical, diagnostic, and interventional upper limb procedures. Awareness and documentation of these variations can improve patient outcomes and minimize intraoperative and diagnostic complications. Future studies should elucidate the prevalence and functional significance of rare vascular cases.