Co-existence of superficial brachio-ulno-radial arterial pattern and persistent median artery

The arteries of the upper limbs are situated in a deep plane and are the favourable sites for intra-arterial cannulation. During routine dissection of the left upper limb of a 52-year-old female cadaver, we observed a superficial arterial pattern which was of superficial brachio-ulno-radial type. The right upper limb of the same individual did not show any abnormal arterial pattern. This superficial arterial system was also associated with a palmar type of median artery. The clinical significance of the anomalous arterial system of the upper limb is discussed.