Traumatic pseudoaneurysm left brachial artery (knife wound)

Case contributed by Chris O'Donnell
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Assault with a knife to the upper posterior left arm. Excessive bleeding from the wound at the scene, now ceased following application of external pressure but poor left radial pulse and persistent systemic hypotension

Patient Data

Age: 60 years
Gender: Male

Large, contrast-filled cavity posterior to and communicating with the brachial artery. 

Note the artery remains patent above and below the pseudoaneurysm.

Case Discussion

Traumatic pseudoaneurysm occurs following partial disruption to an arterial wall with leak of blood into a walled-off cavity that sits outside the line of the vessel. 

Urgent repair is usually required in order to avoid spontaneous rupture with consequent bleeding.

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