Flow-mediated vasodilation and anatomical variation of the brachial artery (double brachial artery) in healthy subjects and patients with cardiovascular disease

Circ J. 2013;77(4):1073-80. doi: 10.1253/circj.cj-12-1130. Epub 2012 Dec 7.

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of anatomical variation of the brachial artery on flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) in healthy subjects and patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Methods and results: There was no significant difference in the prevalence of double brachial artery between healthy subjects (6.1%) and patients with CVD (6.5%). In healthy subjects, FMD was larger in a single brachial artery than in large and small vessels of a double brachial artery (7.2±3.4% vs. 4.7±3.3% and 4.5±2.5%, P<0.01, respectively). In patients with CVD, there were no significant differences in FMD among a single brachial artery, large vessel of a double brachial artery and small vessel of a double brachial artery (3.3±1.4%, 3.1±2.3% and 3.6±2.1%). FMD in a single brachial artery was smaller in patients with CVD than in healthy subjects. There were no significant differences in FMD in the large vessel of a double brachial artery between the 2 groups or in the small vessel of a double brachial artery between the 2 groups. Nitroglycerine-induced vasodilation was similar in all arteries in healthy subjects and patients with CVD.

Conclusions: When measuring FMD, the existence of a double brachial artery should be checked. FMD measured in a double brachial artery may be underestimated in healthy subjects.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Blood Flow Velocity
  • Brachial Artery / diagnostic imaging*
  • Brachial Artery / physiopathology*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / physiopathology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nitroglycerin / administration & dosage
  • Ultrasonography
  • Vasodilation*
  • Vasodilator Agents / administration & dosage

Substances

  • Vasodilator Agents
  • Nitroglycerin