Dual Origin of the Cephalic Vein with Double Fenestration: A Case Report

Background/Objectives: This article discusses the clinical–surgical relevance of vascular anatomical variations, such as fenestrations—the division of a vessel into multiple channels that subsequently rejoin distally. Although rare in peripheral veins, these variations, which originate from the incomplete condensation of the embryonic capillary plexus, can predispose thrombosis and necessitate preoperative recognition to avert complications during routine procedures. This study aims to report a rare case of dual origin and double fenestration of the cephalic vein. Methods: During a cadaveric dissection, a variation of the cephalic vein was identified. Results: In this case, an origin of the cephalic vein was observed arising from the dorsal venous network of the hand. It exhibited a double fenestration in the forearm, where a branch of the medial cutaneous nerve of the forearm perforated it before draining into the brachial vein. The second, a proximal origin, arose from the convergence of two tributaries—one originating from the subcutaneous tissue lateral to the brachial muscle and the other from the biceps brachii muscle, forming a single trunk that drained into the subclavian vein. Conclusions: This rare variation of the cephalic vein (dual origin and fenestration) carries significant hemodynamic implications, including an increased risk of turbulence and thrombosis. The atypical anatomical relationship between the nerve and the fenestrated vein also heightens the potential for iatrogenic injuries. In-depth knowledge of such anomalies is crucial for healthcare professionals to minimize complications and optimize the success of procedures like venous access and arteriovenous fistulas, ultimately ensuring patient safety.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Anatomia
Published
2025-10-09
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/anatomia4040015
Primary Topic
Vascular anomalies and interventions
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

Funders

Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Dual Origin of the Cephalic Vein with Double Fenestration: A Case Report

Iapunira Catarina Sant’Anna Aragão, Rudvan Cicotti, Guilherme F. Matos, José Aderval Aragão et al.
Anatomia
Vascular anomalies and interventions
article

Dual Origin of the Cephalic Vein with Double Fenestration: A Case Report

Iapunira Catarina Sant’Anna Aragão, Rudvan Cicotti, Guilherme F. Matos, José Aderval Aragão, Felipe Matheus Sant’Anna Aragão, Deise Maria Furtado de Mendonça, Francisco Prado Reis, Gustavo Henrique Silva da Matta
article en

Abstract

Background/Objectives: This article discusses the clinical–surgical relevance of vascular anatomical variations, such as fenestrations—the division of a vessel into multiple channels that subsequently rejoin distally. Although rare in peripheral veins, these variations, which originate from the incomplete condensation of the embryonic capillary plexus, can predispose thrombosis and necessitate preoperative recognition to avert complications during routine procedures. This study aims to report a rare case of dual origin and double fenestration of the cephalic vein. Methods: During a cadaveric dissection, a variation of the cephalic vein was identified. Results: In this case, an origin of the cephalic vein was observed arising from the dorsal venous network of the hand. It exhibited a double fenestration in the forearm, where a branch of the medial cutaneous nerve of the forearm perforated it before draining into the brachial vein. The second, a proximal origin, arose from the convergence of two tributaries—one originating from the subcutaneous tissue lateral to the brachial muscle and the other from the biceps brachii muscle, forming a single trunk that drained into the subclavian vein. Conclusions: This rare variation of the cephalic vein (dual origin and fenestration) carries significant hemodynamic implications, including an increased risk of turbulence and thrombosis. The atypical anatomical relationship between the nerve and the fenestrated vein also heightens the potential for iatrogenic injuries. In-depth knowledge of such anomalies is crucial for healthcare professionals to minimize complications and optimize the success of procedures like venous access and arteriovenous fistulas, ultimately ensuring patient safety.

AnatomiaVol. 4(4)
Universidade de São Paulo (BR), Universidade Federal de Sergipe (BR), Universidade Tiradentes (BR), Centro Universitário de Volta Redonda (BR)
Universidade Federal de Sergipe
Openalex Percentile: Top 55%
Vascular anomalies and interventions
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.