[Unusual complications of cardiac catheterization via the radial artery]

Use of the radial artery for cardiac catheterization has significantly reduced the incidence and severity of complications at the access site. Nevertheless, occasionally unusual complications or atypical responses to treatment are observed. We describe two cases: a radial artery pseudoaneurysm that was unresponsive to compression treatment and a foreign-body inflammatory reaction at the radial artery access site. The characteristics, development and treatment of the 2 cases are described, and the pathogenic mechanisms are discussed.