Post traumatic pseudoaneurysm of the superficial temporal artery in child

Abstract

Aneurysms of the superficial temporal artery (STA) were first described in 1740, yet it remains a very uncommon post traumatic entity usually associated with sporting activities in young men or recurrent falls in older patients. A 10-year-old boy presented 4 weeks after blunt trauma to the head with a slowly enlarging left temporoparietal swelling. Clinical examination revealed a pulsatile and expansive mass of 4 cm with discoloration of the overlying skin. The ultrasound revealed a pseudoaneurysm of the left anterior superficial temporal artery. Excision was performed under general anesthesia. The mass was exposed, and the proximal and distal branches were ligated. The lesion was entirely removed and hemostasis was easily obtained. Histological examination showed a lesion consistent with pseudoaneurysm. The diagnosis of aneurysms or pseudoaneurysms of the STA can usually be made based on a thorough patient history and physical examination. They are easily treated with few long-term consequences. However, left untreated theses lesions can rupture leading to significant hemorrhage or cause compression of neighboring vessels and nerves. Treatment involves external compression, thrombin injection or surgical resection.