Vol 66, No 4 (2007)
Original article
Published online: 2007-08-13
An unusual union of the intercostobrachial nerve and the medial pectoral nerve
Folia Morphol 2007;66(4):356-359.
Abstract
Variations in the branching pattern of the intercostobrachial nerve have been
known to complicate dissection during mastectomy and other procedures involving
the axilla.
We present the case of an 87-year-old Caucasian female, in whom the intercostobrachial nerve joined with a separate branch from the medial pectoral nerve. The clinical consequences of such a variation may include pectoral muscle motor loss, in addition to the commonly reported sensory loss resulting from the accidental injury or intentional sacrifice of the intercostobrachial nerve during axillary dissection.
We present the case of an 87-year-old Caucasian female, in whom the intercostobrachial nerve joined with a separate branch from the medial pectoral nerve. The clinical consequences of such a variation may include pectoral muscle motor loss, in addition to the commonly reported sensory loss resulting from the accidental injury or intentional sacrifice of the intercostobrachial nerve during axillary dissection.
Keywords: intercostobrachial nervepectoralis minor musclepectoralis major musclemedial pectoral nervemastectomylateral cutaneous branch of second intercostal nerve
