Abstract
Anatomical abnormalities such as unusual bifurcations or aberrant arteries of the
radial artery are extremely rare and due to malformation or disruption of the vascular
net. We present a case of a 64 year old woman with a high bifurcated dorsal branch
of the left radial artery, consulting us for a pulsatile mass in the anatomical snuffbox
after a fall. The mass measured 3–4 mm in diameter and was located on the dorsal aspect
of the wrist over the anatomical snuffbox. Primary imaging studies using Duplex Ultrasound
suggested an aneurysm of the radial artery, further imaging with arteriogram revealed
a high bifurcation of the dorsal branch of the radial artery, presenting with an aneurysm.
The deep palmar branch of the ulnar artery was the dominating vessel, allowing ligation
and excision of the aneurysm. Histological evaluation revealed intimal wall hyperplasia
within the aneurysm, suggesting an injury as initiating factor. A review of the literature
showed that this abnormality of high bifurcation of the dorsal palmar branch of the
radial artery has not been previously reported. Management of aneurysms at the wrist
is discussed.
Keywords Anatomical variance - Vascular malformation - Aneurismal wall hypertrophy - Aneurysm
- Case report - Literature review
