Snuff box radial artery aneurysm: A case report and literature review

Distal radial artery aneurysms in the anatomical snuff box are rare.

Herein, we present the case of a snuff box radial artery aneurysm in a female patient with a possible history of trauma and discuss the evaluation and management of snuff box radial artery aneurysms. The aneurysm in this case was resected without reconstruction because of a normal preoperative Allen test finding and intraoperative evidence of adequate hand perfusion after the aneurysm was excised. The patient subsequently recovered with proper hand function.

Radial artery aneurysms cases are rare; literature search by us and others have identified only 20 cases. For the detection and management of aneurysm, several high-end techniques may be employed; however, in this case, we employed non-invasive ultrasound method. The method is non-invasive and accurately delineates and localises an aneurysm, differentiates true arterial aneurysms from pseudoaneurysms, and identifies the presence of a mural thrombus. Further, the ultrasound assessments also help surgeons on requirement of radial artery reconstruction.

In this case report, an anatomical snuff box radial artery aneurysm was surgically excised without reconstruction. Physical examination and Doppler ultrasound findings were employed to assess the medical condition of the patient; patient's proper hand function was restored.