Throughout the years, anatomic studies have demonstrated numerous variations in the course of the cephalic vein (CV). There are, however, very rare cases of uncommon formation, course or termination of the vein to which our attention should be drawn. During a routine dissections conducted in the Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, in two formalin-fixed cadavers, the very rare anatomical variants were found. In 80 year-old Caucasian female the right cephalic vein, after crossing the clavipectoral triangle, ascended anterior and superior to the clavicle and drained into the lateral branch of the right external jugular vein, which in turn opened to the right subclavian vein. In the second case, the dissection of 83 year-old Caucasian male cadaver revealed that after passing through the deltopectoral groove, the left cephalic vein run between clavicle and subclavius muscle to terminate in the left subclavian vein. Understanding of the topography, morphology and anatomical variations of the cephalic vein is important not only for the anatomists but for the clinicians and nurses as well. Such knowledge can prevent multiple complications during many invasive procedures including implantation of Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices, central venous access, arteriovenous fistula creation or even iatrogenic injuries during clavicle or glenohumeral joint surgery.
Keywords: dissection; external jugular vein; human cadavers; subclavius muscle.