Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40370881›Full record

ArticleCureus2025

Real-World Evidence of Langer's Axillary Arch: Bridging Anatomical Variations and Surgical Practice for Safer Axillary Procedures.

João Soares, Ricardo Vieira

Abstract readCase Reports
In one paragraph

Article in Cureus, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

2 authors.

João SoaresDermatology, Unidade Local de Saúde de Coimbra, Coimbra, PRT.
Ricardo VieiraDermatology, Unidade Local de Saúde de Coimbra, Coimbra, PRT.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Langer's axillary arch is an anatomical variant characterized by a fibromuscular band extending from the latissimus dorsi to the pectoralis major, humerus, or coracoid process, traversing the axillary region. This structure may alter expected anatomical relationships and has the potential to compress neurovascular elements, thereby complicating surgical procedures. Although extensively described in cadaveric studies, in vivo identification during surgery remains infrequently reported. Given its anatomical variability and potential impact on surgical outcomes, further intraoperative documentation of this variant is clinically relevant and may contribute to improved surgical safety and planning. We present the case of a 65-year-old female with left axillary lymph node metastases from melanoma, undergoing complete axillary lymphadenectomy. Intraoperatively, a fibromuscular structure consistent with Langer's axillary arch was identified, extending from the latissimus dorsi and crossing the neurovascular bundle before inserting on the humerus. Careful dissection was performed to preserve vital structures and ensure oncologic completeness. The lymphadenectomy was successfully completed with histologically clear margins. The patient tolerated surgery well, received adjuvant immunotherapy, and remains disease-free after one year of follow-up. The recognition of Langer's axillary arch during the procedure was critical in preventing inadvertent vascular or nerve injury, ensuring a safe and effective intervention. By bridging anatomical research with clinical practice, this case underscores the clinical importance of anatomy during surgical procedures in the axilla. Failure to recognize Langer's axillary arch can increase the risk of surgical complications, including neurovascular injury or incomplete dissections. The

Indexed as

anatomical variationlanger's axillary archlymphadenectomymelanoma metastasessurgical anatomy

Identifiers

PMID40370881
PMCPMC12076268

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.