Impact of Unilateral Dual-Brachial Arteries on Endothelial-Dependent and Independent Vasodilation: A Case Study

Brachial artery bifurcation has been documented in ~5-10% of cadaver models, but our understanding of arterial function in these rare cases is unknown. This case study examined vasodilatory responses between a right bifurcated (right superficial brachial artery, right deep brachial artery) versus left non-bifurcated brachial artery in a 28-year healthy female. Vasodilatory functions were assessed via flow-mediated dilation and nitroglycerin-mediated dilation (0.4 mg sublingual spray) techniques, respectively. Bifurcation of the brachial artery promotes lower endothelial-dependent vasodilation and possibly reduced vascular smooth muscle responsiveness to nitric oxide.