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Published on: April 15, 2021
Atherosclerotic axillary artery aneurysm
G Morris-Stiff1, M Coxon, E Ball
1Department of Surgery, Royal Glamorgan Hospital Ynysmaerdy Llantrisant, Rhondda Cynon Taf, UK.
True axillary artery aneurysms are rare, often mistaken for pseudoaneurysms. This case highlights a successful surgical repair of a true atherosclerotic axillary artery aneurysm, restoring function and relieving symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Arterial Aneurysm Research
- Diagnostic Imaging in Vascular Disease
Background:
- True aneurysms of the axillary artery are infrequent, with pseudoaneurysms being more common presentations of pulsatile masses in this anatomical region.
- Atherosclerosis is a significant risk factor for arterial aneurysm development, though less commonly associated with axillary artery aneurysms compared to other major arteries.
Observation:
- A 65-year-old female presented with a painless, pulsatile mass in the axillary region.
- The patient reported a recent onset of sensory deficit in the hand, without any history of limb trauma.
- Preoperative imaging confirmed the presence of a true atherosclerotic aneurysm of the axillary artery.
Findings:
- Surgical repair of the true axillary artery aneurysm was successfully performed.
- The patient experienced an excellent symptomatic recovery following the intervention.
- The absence of trauma and the atherosclerotic nature of the aneurysm were key diagnostic considerations.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering true aneurysms in the differential diagnosis of axillary pulsatile masses, even in the absence of trauma.
- Accurate preoperative imaging is crucial for surgical planning and successful outcomes in axillary artery aneurysm repair.
- Timely surgical intervention can lead to significant symptomatic improvement and prevent potential complications associated with untreated axillary artery aneurysms.
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