Median artery bilateral persistence in coexistence with a bifid median nerve and a communication with the ulnar nerve and vice-versa

Purpose: The current report describes the bilateral coexistence of a persistent median artery (PMA) of ulnar origin and asymmetrical termination, with a bifid median nerve (MN) and an interconnection of the median with the ulnar nerve (MN-UN). Unilaterally the “reverse” interconnection (MN-UN) was identified. Emphasis was given to the artery’s developmental background. Methods: The PMA was identified in an 80-year-old formalin-embalmed male cadaver, derived from a body donation program after a signed informed consent. Results: In the right forearm, the PMA of antebrachial type, terminated at the wrist, posterior to the palmar aponeurosis. Two neural communications (-) were identified: the UN-MN deep branch, at the forearm’s upper third, and the MN deep stem-UN palmar cutaneous branch, at the lower third (9.7cm distally to the 1 st communication). In the left forearm, the PMA of palmar type, ended in the palm giving off the 3 rd and 4 th proper palmar digital arteries. An incomplete superficial palmar arch was identified by the PMA, radial and ulnar arteries’ contribution. After MN bifurcation into superficial and deep branches, the deep branches formed a loop, through which coursed the PMA. The MN deep branch communicated with the UN palmar cutaneous branch. Conclusions: The PMA should be evaluated, as a causative factor of carpal tunnel syndrome. The modified Allen's test, and the Doppler ultrasound may detect the arterial flow and the angiography may depict the vessel thrombosis in complex cases. PMA could also be a "salvage" vessel for the hand supply, in radial and ulnar artery trauma.