Variations of the radial artery in man

Variations of the radial artery are common in man. A high origin, due eithe r to precocious bifurcation or to persistent duplication of the brachial ar tery, and the presence of a superficial dorsal ramus in the forearm suggest hemodynamic insufficiency of the axial vascular network allowing persisten ce of certain portions of the superficial system of the upper limb. Confusi on of these unusual arteries with the subcutaneous veins may explain the ac cidental injection of drugs and distal necrosis of the limb. Knowledge of t hese variations may facilitate ascending catheterization of the cardiac cav ities.