Anatomic Variation in the Origin and Course of Radial Artery: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Authors

  • Muna Kadel Department of Anatomy, Nepalese Army Institute of Health Sciences, Sanobharyang, Kathmandu, Nepal
  • Shanta Hada Department of Anatomy, KIST Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Lalitpur, Nepal
  • Bishwo Prachanda Sedhain Samaj Dental Hospital, Baneshwor, Kathmandu, Nepal

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31729/jnma.4609

Keywords:

anatomic variation; angiography; cadaver; radial artery.

Abstract

Introduction: The radial artery is commonly originated from the brachial artery in the cubital fossa
at the level of the neck of the radius. It is the artery of choice for coronary artery angiography,
percutaneous coronary artery intervention, cannulation, and others. Radial artery anomalies like
high origin, tortuosity, and accessory branches are associated with the failure of such procedures.
The main objective of this study is to study the variation in origin and course of the radial artery in
cadavers.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 27 formalin-fixed adult human
cadavers in the Department of Anatomy, KIST Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Lalitpur,
Nepal, from 2075/4/2 to 2076/4/2. Ethical approval was taken on date 02/04/2075 (IRC No.
2074/75/38). Altogether, 53 specimens were enrolled in the study by convenience sampling method.
Point estimate at 95% Confidence Interval was done for binary data along with frequency and
proportion. The data was analyzed by and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20.


Results: Out of of 53 upper limbs, forty-six (86.79%) specimens, the origin of the radial artery was
observed to be normal in the cubital fossa, 34.5±6.31mm below the level of the intercondylar line
of the humerus with the superficial course. In seven (13.21%) specimens, the radial artery showed
variation in the origin. Among them, variations in origin were found to be from sites like the axilla,
upper-middle, and lower part of the arm. One cadaver showed a tortuous radial artery bilaterally.


Conclusions: This study concludes that most of the radial artery originates in the cubital fossa from
the brachial artery with few variations.

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Published

2019-12-31

How to Cite

Kadel, M., Hada, S., & Sedhain, B. P. (2019). Anatomic Variation in the Origin and Course of Radial Artery: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study. Journal of Nepal Medical Association, 57(220). https://doi.org/10.31729/jnma.4609

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Section

Original Article