Traumatic Pseudoaneurysm of the Superficial Temporal Artery Occurring in the Frontal Region: Case Report and Review of Literature

Abstract

To recognize that traumatic pseudoaneurysm of the superficial temporal artery can occur in the frontal region following blunt trauma.To review the pathophysiology of pseudoaneurysm formation and imaging diagnosis. Case report and literature review. A 87 year old man was admitted after a fall to the head. Initial computerized tomography (CT) scan of the brain was normal save for the presence of a left frontotemporal hematoma. Follow up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain 2 weeks later reveals bilateral subdural hematoma formation and a focal enlarging mixed signal fluid collection in the left frontal region which was not initally recognized as a pseudoaneurysm. An ultrasound scan was then ordered as the patient developed a focal painless pulsatile mass in the left frontal region which shows turbulent flow within the focal swelling giving a yin-yang sign on colour Doppler consistent with a pseudoaneurysm.The feeding vessel was traced to the frontal branch of the left superficial temporal artery. This case illustrates that pseudoaneurysm of the superficial temporal artery should be kept in the list of differential diagnoses for a post-traumatic pulsatile soft tissue mass in the frontal region.