Traumatic pseudoaneurysm of the superficial temporal artery

Area of Science:

• Vascular Surgery
• Trauma Surgery
• Head and Neck Surgery

Background:

• Facial vasculature aneurysms have been documented since the 17th century.
• Pseudoaneurysms of the superficial temporal artery (STA) are rare, with approximately 386 reported cases since 1644.
• Traumatic pseudoaneurysm of the STA presents as a painless, pulsatile temporal mass post-trauma.

Observation:

• This case report details a traumatic pseudoaneurysm of the STA developing weeks after blunt head trauma.
• The lesion manifested as a pulsatile mass in the temporal region.
• Clinical presentation can be confusing, necessitating a high index of suspicion.

Findings:

• Review of anatomical challenges and pathophysiology contributing to pseudoaneurysm formation.
• Discussion of optimal diagnostic and management strategies for STA pseudoaneurysms.
• Pulsatile temporal lesions connected to the STA require careful evaluation.

Implications:

• Surgical resection is the definitive treatment for traumatic STA pseudoaneurysms.
• Timely surgical intervention prevents potential complications such as hemorrhage and neurovascular compression.
• Clinicians must be knowledgeable about the diagnosis and management of these rare vascular lesions.