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Vol 81, No 3 (2022)
Case report
Submitted: 2021-01-29
Accepted: 2021-04-22
Published online: 2021-05-25
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A case of distal limb arterial tortuosity and dilation: observations and potential clinical significance

Y. Carter1, D. J. Bennett2, V. Molla2, A. E. Wink1, A. J. Collins1, E. L. Giannaris1
DOI: 10.5603/FM.a2021.0055
·
Pubmed: 34060644
·
Folia Morphol 2022;81(3):791-797.
Affiliations
  1. Division of Translational Anatomy, Department of Radiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States of America
  2. Undergraduate Medical Education, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States of America

open access

Vol 81, No 3 (2022)
CASE REPORTS
Submitted: 2021-01-29
Accepted: 2021-04-22
Published online: 2021-05-25

Abstract

Arterial tortuosity describes variation via bending of the arterial wall and has been noted in several arteries throughout the body. Tortuous blood vessels can cause nerve compression, as well as present difficulties to surgeons and radiologists. Here we present an unusual case of multi-vessel arterial tortuosity discovered in 78-year-old Hispanic male cadaver, independent of systemic pathology. The left ulnar and right tibial arteries were dissected, and using calibrated digital callipers, their external and internal diameters were measured both at the origin site and at the site of greatest dilation. Both wall thickness and the number of inflection points were also measured. Six bends were noticed in the ulnar artery and its diameter measured 8.11 mm at its widest, with a wall thickness of 0.88 mm. On the lower extremity, the right tibial artery had three bends and its diameter measured 4.86 mm at its widest, with a wall thickness of 1.32 mm. This uncommon tortuosity is not only more prone to laceration during surgery, but the bending and thickening can be mistaken for tumours. Finally, fluid dynamics can be altered, resulting in an impact on blood pressure in the extremities. Thus, raising awareness is crucial to prevent both symptoms and iatrogenic complications.

Abstract

Arterial tortuosity describes variation via bending of the arterial wall and has been noted in several arteries throughout the body. Tortuous blood vessels can cause nerve compression, as well as present difficulties to surgeons and radiologists. Here we present an unusual case of multi-vessel arterial tortuosity discovered in 78-year-old Hispanic male cadaver, independent of systemic pathology. The left ulnar and right tibial arteries were dissected, and using calibrated digital callipers, their external and internal diameters were measured both at the origin site and at the site of greatest dilation. Both wall thickness and the number of inflection points were also measured. Six bends were noticed in the ulnar artery and its diameter measured 8.11 mm at its widest, with a wall thickness of 0.88 mm. On the lower extremity, the right tibial artery had three bends and its diameter measured 4.86 mm at its widest, with a wall thickness of 1.32 mm. This uncommon tortuosity is not only more prone to laceration during surgery, but the bending and thickening can be mistaken for tumours. Finally, fluid dynamics can be altered, resulting in an impact on blood pressure in the extremities. Thus, raising awareness is crucial to prevent both symptoms and iatrogenic complications.

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Keywords

arterial, tortuosity, ulnar, tibial, cadaveric

About this article
Title

A case of distal limb arterial tortuosity and dilation: observations and potential clinical significance

Journal

Folia Morphologica

Issue

Vol 81, No 3 (2022)

Article type

Case report

Pages

791-797

Published online

2021-05-25

Page views

4597

Article views/downloads

949

DOI

10.5603/FM.a2021.0055

Pubmed

34060644

Bibliographic record

Folia Morphol 2022;81(3):791-797.

Keywords

arterial
tortuosity
ulnar
tibial
cadaveric

Authors

Y. Carter
D. J. Bennett
V. Molla
A. E. Wink
A. J. Collins
E. L. Giannaris

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