A Concurrent Pseudoaneurysm and an Arteriovenous Fistula Following Percutaneous Radial Artery Access

The incidence of radial artery cannulation resulting in the concurrent development of a pseudoaneurysm and an arteriovenous fistula is not well defined. Here, we present the case of a 42-year-old man who developed an iatrogenic pseudoaneurysm (PSA) and a concurrent arteriovenous fistula (AVF) following multiple right radial artery cannulations. Access was obtained for a preoperative diagnostic cardiac catheterization and again for hemodynamic monitoring intraoperatively during a surgical aortic valve replacement. A palpable thrill over the right radial artery developed and persisted for nine months, leading to anxiety and mental fixation on the thrill. There were no other symptoms. Given a failed resolution with conservative care for the same duration, the patient elected to proceed with surgical resection. Following resection, the patient reported resolution of his symptoms and decreased anxiety. A follow-up targeted arterial ultrasound demonstrated no residual PSA or AVF.