Iliac artery pseudoaneurysm presenting as a paravertebral collection: a potentially fatal mimic

Sawsan Taif1, Asif Alrawi, Jokha Al-Kalbani

  • 1Department of Radiology, Khoula Hospital, Muscat, Oman.

BMJ Case Reports
|March 22, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Iliac artery pseudoaneurysms are rare vascular lesions that can mimic other conditions. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial to avoid serious complications.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Surgery
  • Diagnostic Imaging
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Pseudoaneurysms of the iliac arteries are uncommon complications following trauma or procedures.
  • They can present with vague symptoms, making diagnosis challenging.

Observation:

  • A 37-year-old male presented with a paravertebral collection mimicking spondylodiscitis on MRI.
  • A signal void on imaging suggested a vascular lesion, later confirmed as a common iliac artery pseudoaneurysm.

Findings:

  • Initial percutaneous thrombin injection was unsuccessful.
  • Open surgery revealed a leaking pseudoaneurysm with a significant retroperitoneal hematoma.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of considering vascular lesions in the differential diagnosis of paravertebral masses.
  • Misdiagnosis as soft tissue tumors or abscesses can lead to severe outcomes.
  • Prompt and accurate diagnosis through advanced imaging is vital for effective management of iliac artery pseudoaneurysms.

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