Radial artery duplication: Unusual point-of-care-ultrasonography finding during arterial cannulation

Abstract

The radial artery is the most common choice for arterial cannulation, coronary interventions, and various interventional radiological procedures. Here, we describe a case of unilateral duplication of the radial artery detected during radial artery cannulation using point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS). The duplication of the radial artery in the forearm can hinder trans-radial access secondary to variations in the diameter. An actual duplication also carries a high risk of accidental injury to the arterial wall during routine invasive procedures and other forearm procedures such as free flap construction. POCUS is invaluable for detecting arterial anomalies before proceeding with any interventional procedures.

Duplicate Radial Artery Variation: A Comprehensive Analysis With Case Report, Literature Review, Embryological Insights and Clinical Significance

“…In some of them, the radial artery splits into two major branches in the forearm region, which may anastomose after a certain distance. Such cases have been reported by Salem et al [8], Bumbasirević et al [9], Bhatt et al [10], and Mohanty et al [11]. There are only two other reported instances where the duplicated radial artery is not a result of a splitting of the RA itself (Figure 4).…”