[Pseudoaneurysm in the radial artery after catheterization]

Area of Science:

• Vascular Surgery
• Interventional Cardiology
• Neurosurgery

Background:

• Radial artery catheterization is a common procedure for hemodynamic monitoring.
• While generally safe, it carries potential complications, including thrombosis and, rarely, pseudoaneurysms.
• Olfactory groove meningiomas require surgical intervention, often involving arterial access.

Observation:

• A patient developed a pulsatile swelling and localized temperature elevation in the radial artery 11 days post-surgery for an olfactory groove meningioma.
• The symptoms were attributed to a pseudoaneurysm of the radial artery at the catheterization site.
• Despite surgical repair (ligation and biopsy), the patient's condition deteriorated, leading to septic shock.

Findings:

• Pseudoaneurysms are a rare but serious complication of radial artery catheterization, typically presenting 7-40 days post-procedure.
• Risk factors include vessel wall alterations, multiple puncture attempts, and catheter-related infections.
• The case highlights a severe outcome, progressing to septic shock despite surgical intervention.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of vigilance for rare complications following radial artery catheterization, even in the context of neurosurgery.
• Prompt diagnosis and appropriate management of arterial pseudoaneurysms are critical to prevent severe morbidity.
• Further research into preventative strategies and optimal treatment algorithms for catheter-induced pseudoaneurysms may be warranted.