Third head of biceps brachii associated with variations in vascular pattern of upper limb

Abstract

Biceps brachii is one of the muscle of anterior compartment of arm. Various types of variations has been associated with its proximal attachments. We found an additional third head of biceps brachii in left upper limb. Variations in arterial pattern of upper limb have been noted in literature. We observed that brachial artery gave its terminal branches in the upper third of the left arm. Near the elbow the tendon of third head bifurcated through which the radial artery emerged to enter the forearm taking a superficial course, whereas the ulnar artery passed deep to the tendon of third head. So, we are reporting a rare case wherein variations in the musculature and vasculature of the upper limb co-existed. The present report attempts to highlight the clinical significance of such multiple variations which might be helpful for vascular and reconstructive surgeons, traumatologists, orthopaedicians operating in the region of upper limb, to avoid any catastrophic outcomes. It is also helpful during evaluation of angiographic images