Axillary Artery Aneurysm Research Articles

Mycotic axillary artery aneurysm

Mycotic axillary aneurysms, not commonly encountered today, are generally the consequence of arterial trauma. A case of an axillary aneurysm secondary to a septic embolus from valvular vegetations in an intravenous drug abuser was studied. The case is reminiscent of those sporadically reported cases of the preantibiotic era. (J Vasc Surg 1998;28:708-9.)

Axillary Artery Aneurysms

Aneurysms of the axillary artery are rare but potentially dangerous lesions that threaten the upper extremity with vascular and neurologic compromise. Most can be treated effectively with surgical excision and vascular grafting. An illustrative case is presented. These aneurysms may arise as pseudoaneurysms secondary to trauma or iatrogenic complications, or as degenerative lesions often secondary to the chronic use of crutches. They may also arise as postobstructive lesions in patients with thoracic outlet syndrome. Signs and symptoms vary with the cause of the aneurysm and may include mass effects with brachial plexus compression and thromboembolic events involving the hands and fingers. Arteriography is the mainstay of diagnosis, and treatment should be considered in most of these lesions as soon as they become apparent to prevent limb loss or dysfunction.

Occlusion of the brachial artery by thrombus dislodged from a traumatic aneurysm of the anterior humeral circumflex artery

The successful treatment of a brachial artery occlusion caused by a chronic embolizing aneurysm of the anterior humeral circumflex artery is described. In the case of embolizing axillary artery aneurysms, the best therapy is resection of the aneurysm followed by distal thromboembolectomy and vascular reconstruction by a saphenous vein segment. Prosthetic material should be reserved as a second choice. In this particular case successful therapy consisted of ligation of the anterior humeral circumflex artery proximal and distal to the aneurysm, resection of the aneurysm, and transcubital thromboembolectomy.

Axillary artery aneurysms secondary to crutch trauma

Aneurysms of the axillary artery have been described only rarely. This report, however, presents eight axillary artery aneurysms in seven patients secondary to chronic trauma from improperly used crutches. Acute thrombotic occlusion is the most frequent presentation, although acute and chronic distal embolization is also seen. An accurate diagnosis will ensure proper therapy and is usually not difficult if the examiner is aware of the entity. It should not be confused with axillary artery embolism. The differential is important, however, so that optimal treatment including resection and saphenous vein grafting followed by the use of ambulatory aids which no longer cause trauma to the axillary region can be employed.