Neurovascular axillary variations: superficial brachial artery and single-corded brachial plexus

• DOI: 10.1007/s12565-020-00563-x
• Publication Date: 2020-08-12T08:03:51Z
• Authors: Melissa A. Carroll; Jennifer Blandino; Alex Flynn; Ryan Laughran; Shannon Pennella
• Keywords: Axillary artery; Axilla; Brachial artery; Neurovascular bundle; Upper trunk

Variants of the axillary artery and brachial plexus were found bilaterally in the axilla of an 86-year-old Asian female. On the left, the cadaver donor had a high bifurcation of the second part of the axillary artery, creating a superficial brachial artery. Meanwhile, the right axilla presented with root, trunk, and cord variations in the formation of the brachial plexus, the most interesting feature being a single, unified cord. Presented in this case report are the structural relationships of the variants with considerations regarding anatomy, embryology, prevalence, and clinical importance.