1. Introduction
Pseudoaneurysm is rare in the radial artery, and only a few studies have been conducted in pseudoaneurysm as a result of penetrating trauma in the radial artery and, especially in the forearm [
1]. The delayed manifestation of pseudoaneurysm in the arm and brachial artery has been reported [
1-
3]. Considering that clinical examinations are not reliable in these cases, the clinical suspicion and application of suitable diagnostic modalities would be helpful [
1,
2]. In this report, a delayed case of pseudoaneurysm is presented in the dorsolateral proximal of forearm region after a history of as penetrating trauma. Considering that in most cases its diagnosis is ignored, having strong clinical suspicion is very important.
2. Case Presentation
A 22-year-old male patient, suffering from pain, referred to the emergency unit of the university ten days after a stab wound in the dorsolateral proximal of the forearm region. One day after the stab wound, he referred to the emergency unit and discharged after wound dressing and receiving oral antibiotic treatment. He had normal vascular, neural, and tendon functions at that time. After 10 days, the pain has increased in the forearm and intensified by wrist extension. The tenderness was in the place of the scar. Erythema was not observed. There were no symptoms of infection and secretions (Figure 1).
There were no fever, chills, and local symptoms indicating deep infection and osteomyelitis. However, there was a 2cm palpated mass in the scar position. The result of the Allen test was negative to roll out arterial insufficiency of the palm. Bedside ultrasound in the emergency unit detected a small cystic lesion (1×2cm), which was variable in size by probe pressure. Angiography results showed an aneurysm in the posterior interosseous branch of the radial artery (Figure 2).
Because of the involvement of posterior interosseous branch of the radial artery and unavailability of angiographic facilities for embolization, we resected the lesion by a longitudinal incision in the dorsal side of the proximal forearm and then ligated the posterior interosseous branch under general anesthesia and using tourniquet (Figure 3).
When the tourniquet was off, the pulsating mass was visible at the site of exposure. We resected lesion then ligated proximal part of the lesion. Two weeks after the operation, all the patient’s symptoms disappeared. After 2-month follow-up and physiotherapy, the patient regained his activity level and ability in the upper limb.
3. Conclusions
Hematoma caused by a stab wound may result in the false aneurysm, called pseudoaneurysm [
1]. The local enlargement of the blood vessel usually occurs in arteries as a result of traumatic perforation of the walls of the vessel. Blood leakage from arteries’ wall in surrounding tissue causes a hematoma, which occurs after a while and not clearing in early stages. Thus, there is a high probability of being missed in the emergency units [
1,
2]. Also, the clinical manifestations of pseudoaneurysm might start from some days to some months after trauma and range from continuous discomfort since the trauma, increased pain, and swelling [
3].
Notably, in the main arteries, pseudoaneurysm is risky and can be raptured [
3]. Pseudoaneurysm followed by penetrating trauma has been rarely reported in upper limb compared to lower limb. Based on the present documents, no reasonable evidence is available for estimating the required time for the formation of these pseudoaneurysms [
3]. In two reports, the reported time was more than one month after penetrating trauma and laceration in the upper limb [
2,
3]. Komorwska et al. reported more clinical evidence in 16 cases of pseudoaneurysm caused by infected catheter in the distal radial artery, but less evidence in the cases caused by penetrating trauma [
4].
In the report of Forde et al., the delayed manifestation of pseudoaneurysm in the brachial artery was followed by penetrating trauma in a 23-year-old individual [
2]. Three months after the penetrating trauma incidence, the authors found swelling and tenderness in antecubital of the elbow; the treatment with surgical resection led to symptoms relief [
2]. In a report by Fokou et al., large pseudoaneurysm is introduced in the axillary artery followed by a stab wound after two months with pain and neural symptoms in brachial plexus [
5]. The operation was carried out through interposition saphenous vein [
5].
However, vascular embolization treatment can be successful in unavailable and sensitive regions. Solomon stated that pseudoaneurysm resulted from penetrating trauma in the temporal artery was successfully treated by embolization [
6]. Depending on aneurysm sac and created mass, it might be tender with pain or swelling. If you touch the mass, it can be palpated, but there is no thrill [
4,
5]. The clinical examination is often unreliable, and the strong clinical suspension is helpful. The application of suitable diagnostic modalities would be promising and helpful for prompt diagnosis.
Ethical Considerations
Compliance with ethical guidelines
The case report was confirmed by the Ethics Committee of Urmia University of Medical Sciences.
Funding
This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.
Authors' contributions
All authors contributed in preparing this article.
Conflict of interest
The authors declared no conflict of interests.
References
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