Cirsoid aneurysm

Last revised by Mostafa Elfeky on 5 Oct 2023

Cirsoid aneurysms are rare arteriovenous malformations of the scalp and extremities. 

Patients often present with a slow-growing pulsatile mass and may also experience bleeding, tinnitus and/or a headache 3

Cirsoid aneurysms develop due to an abnormal arteriovenous connection to the superficial veins. 

Typically, cirsoid aneurysms of the scalp are fed by the superficial temporal artery only and less commonly they are fed by both superficial temporal and occipital arteries

They are most commonly congenital, although post-traumatic cirsoid aneurysms have been described 1.

Patients may go on to develop cosmetic defects if left untreated. Treatment options include endovascular occlusion, surgical resection or direct injection of sclerosing agents 2.

They were first described in 1833 by Brecht.

Considerations include 3:

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