Primary Repair of a Traumatic Superficial Temporal Artery Pseudoaneurysm

Abstract

Traumatic superficial temporal artery (STA) pseudoaneurysm is a rare clinical entity that typically presents after a short delay following blunt trauma. Diagnosis should be made primarily upon history and physical examination while duplex ultrasound is an appropriate adjunct for confirmation and preoperative planning. Optimal management of traumatic STA pseudoaneurysm is surgical and may consist of ligation and excision of the aneurysmal artery or, alternatively, primary arterial repair when feasible. Surgical treatment is usually possible under local anesthetic alone and is usually curative while incurring minimal risk of complications.