Rare vascular variations — the ulnar artery and superficial brachioulnar artery. A case report and review of the literature

Cardiovascular disease is among the most common causes of death worldwide. Interventions, such as percutaneous coronary intervention, used to recanalise coronary stents, require precise anatomical knowledge, particularly regarding vascular variations, to avoid complications. In our study, we describe a rare anatomical variation of the superficial brachioulnar artery (SBUA). We present an SBUA originating from the brachial artery in its upper third further running superficially in a straight course to the hand, where it comprises the full function of the ulnar artery. At the same time, the regular ulnar artery terminates as a hypoplastic vessel which exclusively supplies the local musculature. This combination expands the existing literature and highlights the clinical relevance of vascular variations. Our case report underscores the importance of precise preoperative imaging to identify vascular anomalies early on and at the same time minimise patient safety-related complications. Additionally, this new variation of the SBUA emphasises the need to integrate anatomical variations more thoroughly into medical education and research. The latter would ensure the systematical capture of their prevalence and implications to improve clinical practice in the long run.