Impact of unilateral dual-brachial arteries on endothelial-dependent and endothelial-independent vasodilation: a case study

Brachial artery bifurcation has been documented in ∼5%–10% of cadaver models, but our understanding of arterial function in these rare cases is unknown. This case study examined vasodilatory responses between a right bifurcated (right superficial brachial artery, right deep brachial artery) versus a left nonbifurcated brachial artery in a 28-year-old healthy female. Vasodilatory functions were assessed via flow-mediated dilation and nitroglycerin-mediated dilation (0.4 mg sublingual spray) techniques. Bifurcation of the brachial artery promotes lower endothelial-dependent vasodilation and possibly reduced vascular smooth muscle responsiveness to nitric oxide. Take home message Our case study indicated that a bifurcated brachial artery exhibited worse vasodilatory responses relative to an intact contralateral artery.