A Rare Case of Dysplastic Axillary Artery Aneurysm Associated with Arteriovenous Malformation.

BACKGROUND: Axillary artery aneurysms are rare conditions, and their causes are various. They can determine severe complications, so the treatment is extremely important. METHODS: We report the case of a young man affected by a saccular axillary artery aneurysm associated with intramuscular arteriovenous malformation, without symptoms except for the presence of a pulsatile mass. Duplex scan and computed tomography scan have been essential for a correct diagnosis and planning of the treatment. At first, the patient was submitted to coil embolization of an efferent vessel, and then he was treated surgically through ligation and detachment of the aneurysm and replacement of part of the axillary artery with a Dacron graft (Vascutek, Inchinnan, Renfrewshire, Scotland, UK). RESULTS: Follow-up at 1 and 6 months revealed normal patency of the axillary arterty and the prosthetic graft with complete exclusion and thrombosis of the aneurysm sac.No sensitive nor motor deficit were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Aneurysms of the axillary artery associated with intramuscular arteriovenous malformations are very rare, but have to be suspected. The treatment is challenging and can be surgical, endovascular, or hybrid, based on the patient's conditions and aneurysm's anatomical features.

Double axillary vein variation diagnosed with ultrasound guidance during infraclavicular nerve block intervention.

The use of ultrasound guidance increases the safety of peripheral block interventions by allowing anaesthesiologists to simultaneously see the position of block needle, the targeted nerves and surrounding vessels. In this report, we represented three patients diagnosed with double axillary vein variation with ultrasound guidance during infraclavicular nerve block intervention. The patients were scheduled for different types of upper limb surgeries. All patients received infraclavicular nerve block for anaesthetic management. A double axillary vein variation was diagnosed with ultrasound during block interventions. Hydro-location technique was used in all cases and the procedures were completed uneventfully. In the current literature, there is limited number of reports concerning double axillary vein variation. Detailed knowledge of the axillary anatomy is important to avoid complications such as intravascular injection during peripheral nerve block interventions. The use of ultrasound guidance and hydro-location technique should be considered for nerve blocks, especially in the axillary area.

Ultrasound evaluation of the respiratory changes of the inferior vena cava and axillary vein diameter at rest and during positive pressure ventilation in spontaneously breathing healthy volunteers.

INTRODUCTION: Ultrasound assessment of the inferior vena cava (IVC) has gained favour in aiding fluid management decisions for controlled, mechanically ventilated patients as well as in non-mechanically ventilated, spontaneously breathing patients. Its utility in spontaneously breathing patients during positive pressure non-invasive ventilation has not yet been determined. The use of the axillary vein, as an alternative option to the IVC due to its ease of accessibility and independence from intra-abdominal pressure, has also not been evaluated. The aim of this study was to assess respiratory variation in IVC and axillary vein diameters in spontaneously breathing participants (Collapsibility Index) and with the application of increasing positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) via positive pressure non-invasive ventilation (Distensibility Index). METHODS: The IVC and axillary vein diameters of 28 healthy adult volunteers were measured, using ultrasound, at baseline and with increasing PEEP via non-invasive ventilation. The Collapsibility Index and Distensibility Index of these vessels were calculated and compared for each vessel. The association between increasing PEEP levels and the indices was evaluated. RESULTS: Positive pressure delivered via non-invasive ventilation produced a similar degree of diameter change in the IVC and the axillary vein, that is, the Distensibility Index was similar whether measured in the IVC or the axillary vein (P=0.21, 0.47 and 0.17 at baseline, 5 and 10 cmH2O PEEP, respectively). Individual study participants' IVC and axillary veins, however, had variable responses to PEEP; that is, there appeared to be no consistent relationship between PEEP and the diameter changes. CONCLUSION: While the axillary vein could potentially be used as an alternative vessel to the IVC to assess for volume responsiveness in controlled, mechanically ventilated patients as well as in non-mechanically ventilated, spontaneously breathing patients, neither vein should be used to guide fluid management decisions in spontaneously breathing patients during positive pressure non-invasive ventilation.

Venous anomalies of the axilla: a single-institution experience.

AIM: Surgical treatment is still the cornerstone in the treatment of breast cancer, a very common neoplasia, particularly affecting the female elderly population. Axillary dissection is crucial in the treatment of some tumours, but variations in axillary vessels anatomy are poorly described in standard anatomy and surgical textbook. We aimed to describe anatomical variations in axillary vessels found in our institutional experience. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective 3-year study was conducted in our institution from January 2012 to December 2014. Sixty-one consecutive axillary lymph node dissections (ALNDs) were performed in 61 patients who underwent surgery for stage II and III invasive breast cancer. Anatomical details of axillary vascular anatomy and its variations have been evaluated, described and stored in a prospective database. RESULTS: Sixty-one ALNDs have been performed in the study period. The anatomy of lateral thoracic vein, angular vein and axillary vein was studied and compared with standard anatomical description. Eighteen percentage of venous variations were found out of the 61 dissection performed. CONCLUSIONS: Vascular anatomy of axilla is complex and variable. A better knowledge of all possible variations might be helpful in preventing injuries during ALND.

Anatomical vascular variations and practical implications for access creation on the upper limb.

BACKGROUND: A profound knowledge of vascular anatomy and an understanding of vascular access functionality with respect to possible complications are critical in selecting the site for arteriovenous anastomosis. METHODS: Outline of vasculature variations of the upper limb with prevalence reported in literature of at least 1%, which may affect access creation, is depicted in this review. RESULTS: Over a dozen arterial anatomical anomalies of the upper limb, the most common is "high origin" of the radial artery (12-20%). Superficial positions of brachial, ulnar and radial artery as well as accessory brachial are another possible anatomic variants (0.5-7%). The most variable venous layout on the upper arm is seen in the anatomy of the brachial vein and the basilic vein forming the axillary vein. Three types of basilic vein course on upper arm have been described. CONCLUSIONS: The mapping technique to assess vascular variants facilitate site selection for AVF creation even in cases with previously attempted failed access (misdiagnosed vascular variant could force to secondary options). Thus, a thorough understanding and evaluation of anatomy, taking into consideration the possible vascular variations of the forearm and upper arm, are necessary in the planning of AVF creation and increase the success of AVF procedures.

Axillary arch and other neurovascular anomalies in a cadaver.

The co-existence of multiple variants in the axilla has been rarely documented. Hence, we report the multiple variations of axillary structures and axillary arch. During a dissection of axilla of adult male cadaver, following variations were encountered. a) One superficial and complete type of axillary arch on left axilla only. b) Venous chiasma between the basilic vein and brachial vein of both sides. c) Abnormal course of intercosto-brachial nerve on left side d) Presence of two medial cutaneous nerve of forearm and the absence of medial cutaneous nerve of arm on left side only. The presence of such variations should be kept in mind while performing various invasive and surgical techniques.

[Combined methods of treatment the congenital arterio-venous fistulas of peripheral vessels].

A 10-year experience and results of combined methods of surgical treatment of arterio-venous fistulas of peripheral vessels in 50 patients were analyzed. The patients were systematized on the basis of existing classifications, clinical manifestations of the disease, methods of invasive (ultrasound dopplerography and duplex scanning) and invasive (angiography) examinations. According to many authors no one of conventional methods of surgical treatment of arterio-venous fistulas which are used singly can be effective and must not be recommended as the most optimal. Stepwise employing of traditional operations and endovascular techniques are the main conditions for preventive measures of ischemic disorders in the limbs.

The lateral thoracic artery passing through duplicated axillary vein: a case report.

The axillary vein is a large-blood vessel that lies on the medial side to the axillary artery. The veins of the axilla are more abundant than the arteries and their variations were extremely common. During educational dissection, a rare form of the axillary vein accompanying arterial variation was founded in left arm of 70-year-old female cadaver. The axillary vein was divided into two large veins, anterior and posterior axillary veins according to their anatomical position. The lateral-thoracic artery arose from the second part of the axillary artery and passed through the gap of duplicated axillary vein. Before the lateral-thoracic artery passed through the gap of duplicated axillary vein, the lateral-thoracic artery gave-off an additional branch, which descended superficial to the anterior axillary vein. It surrounded the anterior axillary vein as annular form and the diameter of surrounded part of the anterior axillary vein became narrow. This novel case was reported and its clinical implications of such a variant were discussed.

Perforation of axillary vein by a branch of the axillary artery: an anatomical study / Perforación de la vena axilar por una rama de la arteria axilar: un estudio anatómico

Anatomical variations in the region of axilla and pectoral region are very common. These variations need attention to avoid complications arising during surgeries and diagnostic and interventional invasive procedures in this region such as surgeries for breast carcinoma, venous access during central venous line, pacemaker and cardiac defibrillator implantation etc. During routine cadaveric dissection we had noticed a rare variation of axillary vein and artery. In this case axillary vein, just deep to the inferior border of pectoralis minor was pierced by the lateral thoracic artery, a branch of axillary artery. Perforation of the axillary vein by a branch of the axillary artery is extremely rare variation encountered till now. We report a variation wherein the lateral thoracic artery a branch of the second part of axillary artery was unusually long and perforated the axillary vein, just posterior to the inferior border of pectoralis minor muscle before supplying the structures in the anterolateral chest wall. Histological findings revealed duplication of lumen at the site of perforation through which the lateral thoracic artery was passing and the surrounding area was sealed by the connective tissue. Sound knowledge of anatomy of axillary and pectoral region may help in reducing complications while doing surgical and diagnostic procedure in these regions.

Las variaciones anatómicas en las regiones axilar y pectoral son muy comunes. Estas variaciones necesitan atención para evitar las complicaciones que surgen durante las cirugías y los procedimientos invasivos de diagnóstico e intervención en esta región, tales como cirugía de cáncer mamario, acceso venoso para una vía venosa central, implantación de marcapasos y desfibrilador, etc. Durante una disección de rutina se evidenció una variación poco frecuente de la vena axilar y arteria axilar. Se presenta una variación en que la arteria torácica lateral, rama de la segunda parte de la arteria axilar, inusualmente larga, perforaba la vena axilar, justo por detrás del margen inferior del músculo pectoral menor, antes de irrigar a las estructuras de la pared torácica anterolateral. La histológía reveló la duplicación del lumen en el sitio de perforación a través del cual pasa la arteria torácica lateral, que periféricamente fue sellada por tejido conectivo. La perforación de la vena axilar por una rama de la arteria axilar es una variación que raramente se observa, por eso un buen nivel de conocimientos de la anatomía de las regiones axilar y pectoral puede ayudar a reducir las complicaciones cuando se realizan procedimientos quirúrgicos y de diagnóstico en estas regiones.

Congenital arteriovenous communication in the arm: a cadaveric study.

An abnormal communication between an artery and a vein is known as arteriovenous malformation (AVM) or arteriovenous fistula (AVF). The AVM or the AVF might be congenital in origin or even acquired. The arteriovenous communications are usually surgically made in patients undergoing repeated hemodialysis, while suffering from any chronic renal disease. The abnormal arteriovenous communications may be asymptomatic in nature. The arteriovenous communications might be an incidental finding during any anatomical dissections or medico-legal autopsies. The present study reports the presence of BBC on both sides of a 54-year-old male cadaver who died of road traffic accident. There was a communication between the brachial artery and the brachial vein, 11.5 cm above the medial epicondyle. The oblique communicating channel measured 1.5 cm in length and connected the brachial artery to the brachial vein. A detailed histological study of the communication showed the presence of thick tunica media. Knowledge of arteriovenous communications may be beneficial for any academic studies and equally important for vascular surgeons and radiologists performing angiographic studies.

Aneurisma venoso no pé: relato de casos e revisão da literatura / Venous aneurysm of the foot: case reports and review of the literature

Este relato descreve dois casos de aneurisma venoso no pé, apresentados sob a forma de tumoração indolor e não-pulsátil no dorso do pé e sem história de trauma. O ultra-som Doppler evidenciou formação ovalada, anecóica, em comunicação com a veia e com sinal Doppler venoso, sugestiva de aneurisma venoso. O diagnóstico foi confirmado pelo exame histopatológico, com dilatação aneurismática constituída pelos três componentes da parede da veia. O tratamento consistiu na ligadura e ressecção cirúrgica. Os aneurismas venosos são relativamente raros, havendo relato de sua presença em várias localizações, principalmente nos membros inferiores. Na revisão da literatura, não foram encontrados relatos de aneurismas venosos no pé.

We report two cases of venous aneurysms of the foot, presented as a nonpulsatile, painless mass on the back of the foot, with no history of trauma. Doppler ultrasonography showed an anechoic, oval mass communicating with the vein and venous signal suggestive of venous aneurysm. The diagnosis was confirmed by histopathologic analysis, with aneurysmal dilatation involving the three layers of the venous wall. The treatment consisted of ligation and surgical excision. Venous aneurysms are relatively rare, and their presence has been reported in many locations, particularly in the lower limbs. Any venous aneurysms of the foot were found in the review of the literature.

The axillary arch: anatomy and suggested clinical manifestations.

The purpose of this commentary is to describe bilateral anomalous bands of the latissimus dorsi muscle observed in an 81-year-old male embalmed cadaver, and to discuss the possible clinical implications of this anomaly. The musculotendinous bands tautened and compressed the underlying axillary vessels, and the musculocutaneous, median, and ulnar nerves during passive abduction/external rotation of the shoulder. Similar variations found in the latissimus dorsi muscles in this commentary have been reported in the anatomical and surgical literature. These reports include descriptions of the anomalous bands of the latissimus dorsi attaching to the coracoid process, pectoralis major muscle, and fascia of the coracobrachialis muscle. The potential presence of an axillary arch presents several clinical considerations for the physical therapist. The existence of an axillary arch should be considered in patients with signs and symptoms consistent with upper extremity neurovascular compromise similar to thoracic outlet syndrome. Including this variant in the differential diagnostic process may assist physical therapists in the management of patients with signs and symptoms consistent with thoracic outlet syndrome.

Axillary vein perforation by the medial cutaneous nerve of the forearm.

Variation in the venous pattern in the arm is common. In this study, a rare variant of the axillary vein and its association with the median cutaneous nerve of the forearm is described. In the axilla, the medial cutaneous nerve of the forearm penetrated the axillary vein, thereby creating two narrow venous channels at the site of passage. Such variations are important because a large number of diagnostic and therapeutic invasive procedures are carried out on veins. A possible mode of origin and the clinical importance of this variation are discussed.

Ulnar distribution of reflex sympathetic dystrophy due to compression of the brachial plexus by a primary venous malformation.

An atypical variant of reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) is presented in a 45 year old female with a vascular malformation of the right arm and chest wall. The mechanism was thought to be compression of the brachial plexus by the malformation. The unique scintigraphic features of this presentation of RSD in the ulnar arterial distribution are illustrated.