Resection of a giant mycotic left subclavian pseudoaneurysm

Abstract

Subclavian artery pseudoaneurysm due to intravenous drug use is a rare pathologic entity. A 6.6-cm left subclavian artery pseudoaneurysm immediately distal to the origin of the vertebral artery was discovered in a 39-year-old man with neck swelling, bacteremia, and a history of intravenous drug use. The pseudoaneurysm was resected through a median sternotomy and left supraclavicular incision, without reconstruction. This operative approach was opted for given the presence of infection and the ongoing intravenous drug use.