[Long-term course of arterial traumatisms in children. Analysis of 31 cases]

Thirty children, 17 boys and 13 girls, with 31 arterial traumatisms, were studied. The follow-up period ranged from 4 to 166 months. The purpose of this study was to analyze the long term results. The etiology in 19 cases was accidental (61.3%) and iatrogenic in 12 (38.7%). Upper limbs were affected in 15 cases, lower limbs in 13. The arterial traumatism affected the supra-aortic truncus in 2 patients and the renal artery in one other. Arteriographies were carried out in 7 cases (22.6%). Twenty-three patients (74.2%) underwent surgical procedures. The rest of the patients were managed conservatively. No amputations were needed. Three patients died by no vascular causes. The long-term results were good in terms of permeability and absence of major sequels. We conclude that IAT (Infantile Arterial Traumatisms) are potentially graves; therefore an early diagnosis and a specialized care of patients, without rigid protocols of management, are needed. The uncertain prognosis of IAT obligate to a clinical follow-up.