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Radial nerve compression by a large cephalic vein aneurysm: case report
Elie Kassabian1, Thierry Coppin, Myriam Combes
1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery and Transplantation, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Paris, France. eliekassabian@hotmail.com
Journal of Vascular Surgery
|August 30, 2003
Summary
Radial nerve compression caused by a cephalic vein aneurysm led to forearm extensor weakness. Surgical removal of the venous aneurysm effectively resolved the patient's symptoms, highlighting a rare cause of nerve compression.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Neurology
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Nerve compression syndromes can arise from various anatomical abnormalities.
- Venous aneurysms are rare vascular malformations that can present as subcutaneous masses.
- Radial nerve dysfunction typically manifests as motor deficits in the forearm and hand.
Observation:
- A 43-year-old male presented with right forearm extensor muscle weakness and inability to extend the wrist.
- Physical examination revealed a subcutaneous mass in the antecubital fossa.
- Imaging confirmed a large aneurysm of the cephalic vein compressing the radial nerve.
Findings:
- The patient's symptoms were directly attributed to extrinsic compression of the radial nerve by the cephalic vein aneurysm.
- Surgical resection of the venous aneurysm led to complete resolution of the radial nerve palsy.
- This case illustrates an exceedingly rare etiology for radial nerve compression.
Implications:
- Venous aneurysms should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unexplained peripheral nerve compression, particularly when associated with a palpable mass.
- Duplex ultrasound is a valuable non-invasive tool for diagnosing venous aneurysms.
- Surgical excision is the recommended treatment for symptomatic venous aneurysms causing nerve compression.