Delayed Presentation of Subclavian Artery Pseudoaneurysm Following Blunt Thoracic Trauma: A Case Report

Subclavian artery pseudoaneurysms are a rare complication of blunt thoracic trauma with high mortality and incidence of long-term disability.

We describe a 49-year-old female who suffered a midshaft clavicle fracture after a motorcycle collision who presented five weeks later with right arm weakness, paresthesias, and persistent clavicle pain and swelling. She was diagnosed with a subclavian artery pseudoaneurysm on point-of-care ultrasound performed in the emergency department, which was confirmed with computed tomography angiography. She underwent endovascular stenting but continued to suffer from long-term neurologic deficits related to her condition.

This case underscores that the diagnosis of subclavian artery pseudoaneurysm requires a high index of suspicion. In addition, the case also highlights the utility of point-of-care ultrasound as a modality that can assist in arriving at the diagnosis.