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Bosnian Journal of Basic Medical... Mar 2016This article reviews in detail the superficial brachiomedian artery (arteria brachiomediana superficialis), a very rare variant of the main arterial trunks of the upper... (Review)
Review
This article reviews in detail the superficial brachiomedian artery (arteria brachiomediana superficialis), a very rare variant of the main arterial trunks of the upper limb. It branches either from the axillary artery or the brachial artery, descends superficially in the arm (similar to the course of the superficial brachial artery) and continues across the cubital fossa, runs superficially in the forearm, approaches the median nerve and enters the carpal canal to reach the hand. It usually terminates in the superficial palmar arch. The first drawing was published, in 1830, and the first description was published, in 1844. Altogether, to our knowledge, only 31 cases of a true, superficial brachiomedian artery have been reported (Some cases are incorrectly reported as superficial brachioradiomedian artery or superficial brachioulnomedian artery). Based on a meta-analysis of known, available studies, the incidence is 0.23% in Caucasians and 1.48% in Mongolians. Knowing whether or not this arterial variant is present is important in clinical medicine and relevant for: The catheterization via the radial or ulnar artery; harvesting the vascular pedicle for a forearm flap based on the radial, ulnar or superficial brachiomedian arteries; the possible collateral circulation in cases of the arterial closure; and the surgical management of carpal tunnel syndrome. Its presence can elevate the danger of an injury to the superficially located variant artery or of an accidental injection.
Topics: Axillary Artery; Brachial Artery; Humans
PubMed: 27131025
DOI: 10.17305/bjbms.2016.801 -
Journal of Cardiovascular Translational... Jun 2012Large artery stiffness, as measured by pulse wave velocity, is correlated with high blood pressure and may be a causative factor in essential hypertension. The... (Review)
Review
Large artery stiffness, as measured by pulse wave velocity, is correlated with high blood pressure and may be a causative factor in essential hypertension. The extracellular matrix components, specifically the mix of elastin and collagen in the vessel wall, determine the passive mechanical properties of the large arteries. Elastin is organized into elastic fibers in the wall during arterial development in a complex process that requires spatial and temporal coordination of numerous proteins. The elastic fibers last the lifetime of the organism but are subject to proteolytic degradation and chemical alterations that change their mechanical properties. This review discusses how alterations in the amount, assembly, organization, or chemical properties of the elastic fibers affect arterial stiffness and blood pressure. Strategies for encouraging or reversing alterations to the elastic fibers are addressed. Methods for determining the efficacy of these strategies, by measuring elastin amounts and arterial stiffness, are summarized. Therapies that have a direct effect on arterial stiffness through alterations to the elastic fibers in the wall may be an effective treatment for essential hypertension.
Topics: Age Factors; Animals; Antihypertensive Agents; Arteries; Blood Pressure; Compliance; Disease Models, Animal; Elastic Tissue; Elastin; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Hemodynamics; Humans; Hypertension; Mutation; Pulsatile Flow; Risk Factors
PubMed: 22290157
DOI: 10.1007/s12265-012-9349-8 -
Developmental Biology Mar 2018Arterial vasculature distributes blood from early embryonic development and provides a nutrient highway to maintain tissue viability. Atherosclerosis, peripheral artery... (Review)
Review
Arterial vasculature distributes blood from early embryonic development and provides a nutrient highway to maintain tissue viability. Atherosclerosis, peripheral artery diseases, stroke and aortic aneurysm represent the most frequent causes of death and are all directly related to abnormalities in the function of arteries. Vascular intervention techniques have been established for the treatment of all of these pathologies, yet arterial surgery can itself lead to biological changes in which uncontrolled arterial wall cell proliferation leads to restricted blood flow. In this review we describe the intricate cellular composition of arteries, demonstrating how a variety of distinct cell types in the vascular walls regulate the function of arteries. We provide an overview of the developmental origin of arteries and perivascular cells and focus on cellular dynamics in arterial repair. We summarize the current knowledge of the molecular signaling pathways that regulate vascular smooth muscle differentiation in the embryo and in arterial injury response. Our review aims to highlight the similarities as well as differences between cellular and molecular mechanisms that control arterial development and repair.
Topics: Animals; Arteries; Biomarkers; Cell Differentiation; Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; Germ Layers; Humans; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; Mice; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular; Myocytes, Smooth Muscle; Neovascularization, Physiologic; Signal Transduction; Transcription Factors; Vasa Vasorum; Wound Healing
PubMed: 29397877
DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2018.01.018 -
Journal of Anatomy Mar 2001It is well known that the internal carotid artery has no branches in the neck during postfetal life (von Lanz & Wachsmuth, 1955), but during embryonic development there...
It is well known that the internal carotid artery has no branches in the neck during postfetal life (von Lanz & Wachsmuth, 1955), but during embryonic development there are anastomotic connections between the internal carotid and basilar artery that rarely persist after intrauterine life (Hassen-Khodja et al. 1992; Widmann & Sumpio, 1992; De Caro et al. 1995). The most common anomaly found incidentally on angiography is a persisting trigeminal artery, but persistent hypoglossal, otic and proatlantal arteries can also be found (Reynolds et al. 1980; Ouriel et al. 1988; Salas et al. 1998). We report a rare example of a persistent hypoglossal artery in a 64 y old female cadaver, cause of death unknown, embalmed by standard mortuary procedures for dissection during the routine anatomy course. The persistent hypoglossal artery originated from the anteromedial wall of the left internal carotid artery 2.5 cm above the bifurcation (Fig.). It extended towards the hypoglossal canal. The diameter of its lumen was 1.5 mm. During its course in the neck, it was positioned anterior to the internal carotid artery and medial to the facial and lingual arteries, the posterior belly of the digastric muscle and the convexity of the hypoglossal nerve in the neck. At 1 cm above the convexity of the hypoglossal nerve in the neck, the artery gave rise to a branch that entered the skull through the carotid canal anteromedial to the internal carotid artery (Fig. 1) and joined the basilar artery. The medial branch of the hypoglossal artery crossed the internal carotid artery on its medial side and entered the skull together with the hypoglossal nerve and joined the basilar artery. We found no other anomalies in the cerebral arterial system.
Topics: Carotid Artery, Internal; Cerebral Arteries; Female; Humans; Middle Aged
PubMed: 11322724
DOI: 10.1046/j.1469-7580.2001.19830315.x -
Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and... May 2020The arterial wall is a composite material of elastin, collagen, and extracellular matrix with acutely modifiable material properties through the action of smooth muscle... (Review)
Review
The arterial wall is a composite material of elastin, collagen, and extracellular matrix with acutely modifiable material properties through the action of smooth muscle cells. Therefore, arterial stiffness is a complex parameter that changes not only with long-term remodeling of the wall constituents but also with acute contraction or relaxation of smooth muscle or with changes in the acute distending pressure to which the artery is exposed. It is not possible to test all these aspects using noninvasive or even invasive techniques in humans. Full characterization of the mechanical properties of the artery and the specific arterial factors causing changes to stiffness with disease or modified lifestyle currently require animal studies. This article summarizes the major in vivo and ex vivo techniques to measure the different aspects of arterial stiffness in animal studies.
Topics: Animals; Arterial Pressure; Arteries; Cardiovascular Diseases; Disease Models, Animal; Elasticity; Extracellular Matrix; Microscopy; Myography; Predictive Value of Tests; Pulse Wave Analysis; Reproducibility of Results; Vascular Remodeling; Vascular Stiffness; Viscosity
PubMed: 32268787
DOI: 10.1161/ATVBAHA.119.313861 -
Canadian Association of Radiologists... Feb 2022The purpose of this article is to review the embryology of the lower limb arterial anatomy along with common variants and their clinical relevance. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this article is to review the embryology of the lower limb arterial anatomy along with common variants and their clinical relevance.
DESIGN
Embryologic variations of the lower limb arterial system may be explained by i.) persistence of primordial arterial segments, ii.) abnormal fusion, iii.) segmental hypoplasia/absence, or a combination of both. Persistent sciatic artery, corona mortis, and popliteal entrapment syndrome will also be discussed with associated symptoms, and potential complications.
CONCLUSION
Knowledge of these variations is essential for surgical and endovascular management as failure to recognize them can result in complications.
Topics: Arteries; Female; Humans; Lower Extremity; Male
PubMed: 33886403
DOI: 10.1177/08465371211003860 -
Scientific Reports Jul 2021The aim was to determine the variations in the level of origin of carotid bifurcation and diameters of the common, internal, and external carotid arteries which is...
The aim was to determine the variations in the level of origin of carotid bifurcation and diameters of the common, internal, and external carotid arteries which is clinically important for several interventional procedures. Therefore, 165 human embalmed corpses were dissected. The data collected were analyzed using the Chi square-test and the Pearson correlation test. The results of previous studies have been reviewed. In relation to the level of the carotid bifurcation, taking as a reference point the hyoid bone, the values ranged from 4 cm below the hyoid body to 2.5 cm above the body of the hyoid, being the average height-0.33 cm, with a standard deviation of 1.19 cm. The right carotid bifurcation was established at a higher level (x = - 0.19 cm.) than the left one (x = - 0.48 cm.) (p = 0.046). On the contrary, no significant gender differences could be observed. The arterial calibres of the common and internal carotid arteries were higher in male than female. In the internal carotid artery (X = 0.76 cm.), the left was greater than the right (X = 0.72 cm.) (P = 0.047). However, no differences in the distribution of the calibre of the external carotid artery were found neither by side nor gender. Variations in the level of bifurcation and calibres of carotid arteries are relevant for interventional radiology procedures and head and neck surgeries. Knowledge of these anatomical references might help clinicians in the interpretation of the carotid system.
Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Carotid Arteries; Carotid Artery, External; Carotid Artery, Internal; Female; Humans; Hyoid Bone; Male; Middle Aged; Neck; Tissue Donors
PubMed: 34226652
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93397-0 -
Neurologia Medico-chirurgica Jun 2017The primitive carotid-vertebrobasilar anastomoses are primitive embryonic cerebral vessels that temporarily provide arterial supply from the internal carotid artery to... (Review)
Review
The primitive carotid-vertebrobasilar anastomoses are primitive embryonic cerebral vessels that temporarily provide arterial supply from the internal carotid artery to the longitudinal neural artery, the future vertebrobasilar artery in the hindbrain. Four types known are the trigeminal, otic, hypoglossal, and proatlantal intersegmental arteries. The arteries are accompanied by their corresponding nerves and resemble an intersegmental pattern. These vessels exist in the very early period of cerebral arterial development and rapidly involute within a week. Occasionally, persistence of the carotid to vertebrobasilar anastomosis is discovered in the adult period, and is considered as the vestige of the corresponding primitive embryonic vessel. The embryonic development and the segmental property of the primitive carotid-vertebrobasilar anastomoses are discussed. This is followed by a brief description of the persisting anastomoses in adults.
Topics: Basilar Artery; Carotid Arteries; Humans; Vertebral Artery
PubMed: 28458386
DOI: 10.2176/nmc.ra.2017-0050 -
Arterial Tortuosity and Its Correlation with White Matter Hyperintensities in Acute Ischemic Stroke.Neural Plasticity 2022The association between arterial tortuosity and acute ischemic stroke (AIS) has been reported, but showing inconsistent results. We hypothesized that tortuosity of... (Clinical Trial)
Clinical Trial
INTRODUCTION
The association between arterial tortuosity and acute ischemic stroke (AIS) has been reported, but showing inconsistent results. We hypothesized that tortuosity of extra- and intracranial large arteries might be higher in AIS patients. Furthermore, we explored the correlation between artery tortuosity and white matter hyperintensity (WMH) severity in AIS patients.
METHODS
166 AIS patients identified as large artery atherosclerosis, and 83 control subjects were enrolled. All subjects received three-dimensional computed tomography angiography (CTA). Arterial tortuosity was evaluated using the tortuosity index. WMHs were evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging in all AIS patients.
RESULTS
AIS patients showed significantly increased arterial tortuosity index relative to controls, including left carotid artery (CA) ( = 0.001), right CA ( < 0.001), left common carotid artery (CCA) ( < 0.001), right CCA ( < 0.001), left internal carotid artery ( = 0.001), right internal carotid artery ( = 0.01), left extracranial internal carotid artery (EICA) ( < 0.001), right EICA ( = 0.01), and vertebral artery dominance (VAD) ( = 0.001). The tortuosity of all above arteries was associated with the presence of AIS. AIS patients with moderate or severe WMHs had a higher tortuosity index in left CA ( = 0.005), left CCA ( = 0.003), left EICA ( = 0.07), and VAD ( = 0.001). In addition, the tortuosity of left EICA and VAD was associated with WMH severity in AIS patients.
CONCLUSIONS
Increased extra- and intracranial large arteries tortuosity is associated with AIS. The tortuosity of left carotid artery system and vertebral artery may be the independent risk factors for WMH severity in AIS patients. . This trial is registered with NCT03122002 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).
Topics: Arteries; Carotid Artery, Internal; Humans; Ischemic Stroke; Joint Instability; Skin Diseases, Genetic; Vascular Malformations; White Matter
PubMed: 35369646
DOI: 10.1155/2022/4280410 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jul 2019Arterial stiffness is an age-related disorder. In the medial layer of arteries, mechanical fracture due to fatigue failure for the pulsatile wall strain causes medial... (Review)
Review
Arterial stiffness is an age-related disorder. In the medial layer of arteries, mechanical fracture due to fatigue failure for the pulsatile wall strain causes medial degeneration vascular remodeling. The alteration of extracellular matrix composition and arterial geometry result in structural arterial stiffness. Calcium deposition and other factors such as advanced glycation end product-mediated collagen cross-linking aggravate the structural arterial stiffness. On the other hand, endothelial dysfunction is a cause of arterial stiffness. The biological molecular mechanisms relating to aging are known to involve the progression of arterial stiffness. Arterial stiffness further applies stress on large arteries and also microcirculation. Therefore, it is closely related to adverse outcomes in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular system. Cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) is a promising diagnostic tool for evaluating arterial stiffness. The principle is based on stiffness parameter β, which is an index intended to assess the distensibility of carotid artery. Stiffness parameter β is a two-dimensional technique obtained from changes of arterial diameter by pulse in one section. CAVI applied the stiffness parameter β to all of the arterial segments between heart and ankle using pulse wave velocity. CAVI has been commercially available for a decade and the clinical data of its effectiveness has accumulated. The characteristics of CAVI differ from other physiological tests of arterial stiffness due to the independency from blood pressure at the time of examination. This review describes the pathophysiology of arterial stiffness and CAVI. Molecular mechanisms will also be covered.
Topics: Algorithms; Arteries; Biomarkers; Cardio Ankle Vascular Index; Cardiovascular Diseases; Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena; Female; Humans; Male; Models, Cardiovascular; Prognosis; Vascular Stiffness
PubMed: 31357449
DOI: 10.3390/ijms20153664