title: Ultrasound assessment of the posterior circumflex humeral artery in elite volleyball players: Aneurysm prevalence, anatomy, branching pattern and vessel characteristics.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the prevalence of posterior circumflex humeral artery (PCHA) aneurysms and vessel characteristics of the PCHA and deep brachial artery (DBA) in elite volleyball players.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two-hundred and eighty players underwent standardized ultrasound assessment of the dominant arm by a vascular technologist. Assessment included determination of PCHA aneurysms (defined as segmental vessel dilatation ≥150 %), PCHA and DBA anatomy, branching pattern, vessel course and diameter.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The PCHA and DBA were identified in 100 % and 93 % (260/280) of cases, respectively. The prevalence of PCHA aneurysms was 4.6 % (13/280). All aneurysms were detected in proximal PCHA originating from the axillary artery (AA). The PCHA originated from the AA in 81 % of cases (228/280), and showed a curved course dorsally towards the humeral head in 93 % (211/228). The DBA originated from the AA in 73 % of cases (190/260), and showed a straight course parallel to the AA in 93 % (177/190).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  PCHA aneurysm prevalence in elite volleyball players is high and associated with a specific branching type: a PCHA that originates from the axillary artery. Radiologists should have a high index of suspicion for this vascular overuse injury. For the first time vessel characteristics and reference values are described to facilitate ultrasound assessment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  • Prevalence of PCHA aneurysms is 4.6 % among elite volleyball players. • All aneurysms are in proximal PCHA that originates directly from AA. • Vessel characteristics and reference values are described to facilitate US assessment. • Mean PCHA and DBA diameters can be used as reference values. • Radiologists need a high index of suspicion for this vascular overuse injury.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Academic Medical Center/University of Amsterdam, PO Box 22700, NL-1100 DE, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. daanvandepol@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Daan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: van de Pol
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Academic Medical Center/University of Amsterdam, PO Box 22700, NL-1100 DE, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Maas
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Academic Medical Center/University of Amsterdam, PO Box 22700, NL-1100 DE, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Aart
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Terpstra
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Academic Medical Center/University of Amsterdam, PO Box 22700, NL-1100 DE, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Marja
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pannekoek-Hekman
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Academic Medical Center/University of Amsterdam, PO Box 22700, NL-1100 DE, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Sena
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Alaeikhanehshir
authors.affiliation: Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Academic Medical Center/University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: P Paul F M
authors.initials: PP
authors.lastname: Kuijer
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Academic Medical Center/University of Amsterdam, PO Box 22700, NL-1100 DE, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: R Nils
authors.initials: RN
authors.lastname: Planken
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000783:Aneurysm / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D056352:Athletes; D001916:Brachial Artery / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006811:Humerus / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods*; D054798:Volleyball; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Aneurysm; Posterior circumflex humeral artery; Surveillance; Ultrasound; Volleyball