Anatomical Variations of the Brachial Artery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Abstract
The brachial artery (BA) variations are important anatomical variants with significant implications for anatomists, radiologists, and surgeons. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of BA variations, including their types, sex distribution, laterality, side predominance, and global patterns. A systematic search was conducted across three online databases (PubMed, Hinari, and Google Scholar) as well as key anatomical journals, following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines and the Evidence-Based Anatomy Workgroup recommendations. Meta-analysis was performed using MetaXL software to calculate pooled prevalence rates and distribution characteristics of BA variations by employing a random-effects model. A total of 57 study reports met the inclusion criteria. Typical BA anatomy was observed in approximately 90% of individuals, while BA variations were present in about 10%. Variations showed significant right-side (65%) and unilateral (71%) dominance, with males accounting for 58%. The most common variant was the brachioradial artery, present in 6% of limbs and comprising 66% of all BA variations, followed by the superficial brachial artery (6% of limbs, 29% of variations) and the accessory brachial artery, seen in 4% of limbs and accounting for 32% of variations. The brachioulnar artery, a high-origin ulnar artery, was less common (2% of limbs, 12% of variations). BA variations were evenly distributed across all continents. The meta-analysis…
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