Diagnosis Of Pseudoaneurysm Research Articles

A rare case of superficial temporal artery pseudoaneurysm in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1

Pseudoaneurysm of the superficial temporal artery (STA) is a rare clinical entity that has been linked with traumatic causes. Neurofibromatosis type I (NF-1) is an autosomal dominant disorder with known but uncommon vascular abnormalities that comprise stenoses, occlusions, aneurysms, fistulas and arteriovenous malformations. We presented a 46-year-old man with clinical features of NF-1 (e.g., café au lait spots, skin neurofibromas) coming to hospital because of a progressively enlarging and painful right temporal mass of about ping-pong ball size. He remembered having slapping a mosquito with his hands at the same area four days ago. CT angiography suggested development of a pseudoaneurysm and emergency surgery was performed to dissect the mass. Histopathological examination revealed disruption of arterial wall structures, including interruption of elastic lamina, expansion of smooth muscle layer, focal thrombosis and positive CD31 and smooth muscle actin staining, consistent with diagnosis of pseudoaneurysm. This is the first report of a STA pseudoaneurysm in patient with NF-1. Deficiency of neurofibromin may impact the integrity of vascular wall structures and predispose it to the development of pseudoaneurysm in the event of minor trauma like current case. Reference 1. Saliba E, Goldberg LJ. Superficial temporal artery pseudoaneurysm: report of two cases and review. J Cutan Pathol 2022; 49: 482–486.

S2659 Splenic Artery Pseudoaneurysm as a Rare Cause of Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Introduction: Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is one of the most common causes for hospital admission in the US. Common etiologies for UGIB include peptic ulcer disease, erosive esophagitis, varices, and less commonly malignancies. Splenic artery pseudoaneurysm (PSA) is a known complication of pancreatitis. It may be asymptomatic or present with left upper quadrant or epigastric pain, and rarely as hemorrhagic shock. Splenic artery PSA presenting with UGIB is extremely unusual. Case Description/Methods: We present the case of a 57-year-old male with alcohol use disorder complicated by a prior episode of alcoholic pancreatitis, who presented with 3 days of hematemesis, melena, and recurrent syncopal episodes. In the ED his vitals and physical exam were notable for tachycardia, hypotension, and melena. Labs revealed a hemoglobin of 4.2. Non-contrast CT of the abdomen and pelvis showed evidence of blood in the antrum and a 2.0 x 1.6 cm out-pouching from the greater curvature of the stomach which was postulated to be a gastric diverticulum (image 1). Upper endoscopy revealed fresh blood in the antrum and duodenum, as well as a massive adherent clot in the fundus. Since no single site of active bleeding was identified, the patient was started on IV PPI with continued close monitoring in the ICU. He continued to have melena, and increased PRBC requirements. Repeat EGD was performed but was unchanged from prior. A CT angiogram of the abdomen and pelvis demonstrated a 1.5 cm actively bleeding PSA arising from a first divisional branch of the splenic artery communicating with the fundus of the stomach (images 2 & 3). The patient underwent successful coil embolization (image 4). Hemoglobin remained stable throughout the remainder of his admission with no further evidence of bleeding. Discussion: This case demonstrates PSA as a rare cause of UGIB. Lesions are most commonly caused by chronic pancreatitis, pancreaticobiliary surgery, and trauma. This patient’s PSA was likely secondary to his prior episode of alcoholic pancreatitis. Prompt diagnosis of PSA is essential given the high mortality rate associated with rupture. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for gastrointestinal PSA in patients with a history of pancreatitis who present with UGIB for whom no obvious source of bleeding can be identified on endoscopy.Figure 1.: CT Thx/Abd/Pel demonstrating a 2.0 x 1.6 cm out-pouching from the greater curvature of the stomach (arrow), postulated to be a gastric diverticulum, 2. CT Angiogram Abd/Pel demonstrating the splenic artery PSA (arrow), 3. Fluoroscopic imaging re-demonstrating the splenic artery PSA with extravasation of contrast into the gastric lumen, 4. Splenic Artery PSA after successful coil embolization.

Left Gastric Artery Pseudoaneurysm Due to Pancreatitis

Acute or chronic pancreatitis can cause pseudoaneurysms of visceral arteries. The left gastric artery (LGA) is the least common visceral artery being affected. Here, we report a case of chronic pancreatitis with a pseudoaneurysm of the LGA. A 42-year-old male, a chronic alcoholic, and smoker, presented with abdominal pain, haematemesis, and melena. Diagnosis of pseudoaneurysm of LGA aneurysm was confirmed by computed tomography abdomen. The endovascular coil embolization was done successfully, following which the patient had an uneventful recovery.

Visceral artery pseudoaneurysms in necrotizing pancreatitis: risk of early bleeding with lumen-apposing metal stents

Visceral artery pseudoaneurysm (PSA) in necrotizing pancreatitis (NP) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence, clinical presentation, management, and outcomes of PSA in NP. All NP patients managed at our institution between 2010 and 2020 were retrospectively reviewed from a prospectively maintained database for PSA. Demographics, clinical presentation, method of diagnosis, management, and outcomes were collected. Thirty-nine of 607 patients (6.4%) with NP had a confirmed diagnosis of PSA. Demographics, presence of infected necrosis, development of organ failure(s), and severity of disease were similar between PSA and no PSA. Endoscopic and percutaneous drainages for walled-off necrosis (WON) were more common in the PSA group. Seven patients developed PSA without requiring any intervention for WON, and 17 patients (43.6%) had lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMSs) placed before PSA diagnosis. The time from NP diagnosis to PSA diagnosis was shorter in these patients (n= 17) compared with the remaining patients (n=22; 47 days [interquartile range {IQR}: 17-85] vs 109 days [IQR: 61-180.5, P=0.009]). In addition, 7 of 11 patients (63.6%) with early PSA (defined by<3 weeks from index cystgastrostomy/cystduodenostomy) had an indwelling LAMS at the time of the PSA diagnosis. Seventy-seven percent of patients presented with anemia, 74.3% with GI bleeding, and 30% with hemorrhagic shock. CT was diagnostic for PSA in 83.9% with a false-negative rate of 16.1%. Splenic (50%) and gastroduodenal (28%) arteries were the most common arteries involved by PSA. Angiography and embolization for PSA were successful in 33 of 35 patients. In-hospital mortality was observed in 9 patients (23.1%). Although visceral artery PSA affects a small percentage of NP patients, it is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. In addition, bleeding from PSA induced by erosion of LAMSs may occur in the first 2 weeks, prompting individualization of removal intervals.

Rare case of radial artery pseudoaneurysm protruding through skin after a single arterial puncture for blood-gas analysis

The pseudoaneurysm of the radial artery is an infrequent complication mainly after iatrogenic procedures, with an increased incidence over the last years. The aim of the current study was to present a rare case of a radial artery pseudoaneurysm that projected through the skin after a single arterial puncture for blood-gas analysis. A 79-year-old man, with a history of atrial fibrillation and coronary heart disease on anticoagulants, was admitted to the cardiological intermediate care unit, with pulmonary oedema due to heart failure deregulation. On the next day, his left radial artery was punctured for blood-gas analysis. No other catheterization of the vessel was executed in the following days. Six days later a pulsatile, palpable mass on the skin surface, over the site of puncture, was recognized. Subsequently a Doppler ultrasound that was performed, confirmed the diagnosis of pseudoaneurysm. The pseudoaneurysm was surgically removed under general anesthesia. The patient was hospitalized for four days for trauma monitoring and intravenous antibiotics and afterwards he was discharged from the Hospital. Three months postoperatively, no sign of recurrence was observed. The pseudoaneurysm of the radial artery is an uncommon complication that might occur even after simple iatrogenic procedures, like after a direct arterial puncture for blood-gas analysis. Therefore, specialists should always be aware of this complication in similar cases.

Superior perianastomotic fluid collection in the early postoperative period affects pseudoaneurysm occurrence after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Pseudoaneurysm (PA) after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is a harmful complication due to postoperative pancreatic fistula. However, the preventive method for PA is unclear. This study aimed to assess the risk factors for PA after PD and to evaluate the clinical features of patients with PA. Medical records of 54 patients who underwent PD and developed clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) were retrospectively reviewed. We evaluated postoperative computed tomography (CT) findings, including the perianastomotic fluid collection (PFC) location on postoperative day 4. Perioperative findings and postoperative CT findings were compared between patients with and without PA after PD. The PA group included nine patients (17%). The median postoperative day of diagnosis of PA was 17 (range, 7-33). The PA locations were the gastroduodenal artery stump (n= 3), dorsal pancreatic artery (DPA) stump from the common hepatic artery (n= 4), DPA stump from the replaced right hepatic artery (n= 1), and inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery stump (n= 1). The prevalence of falciform ligament wrap to the hepatic artery was lower (33% vs. 78%, p = 0.014) and superior PFC prevalence was higher (100% vs. 58%, p = 0.019) in the PA group than in the non-PA group. Superior PFC reached the dorsal part of the caudate lobe of the liver in all patients with PA. Furthermore, all PAs occurred at the arteries that could not be wrapped by the falciform ligament. Prevention of superior PFC and falciform ligament wrapping may reduce PA occurrence after PD with clinically relevant POPF.

Pediatric ulnar artery pseudoaneurysm of the wrist after glass laceration: A case report and systematic review of the literature

Our purpose was to explore a case of a complicated ulnar artery pseudoaneurysm and propose an algorithm to guide physicians in this scenario. We present a case of a 5-year-old boy with a pediatric ulnar artery pseudoaneurysm that developed after a wrist laceration from broken glass 6 weeks after the initial injury. The diagnosis of pseudoaneurysm was missed, and the patient was transferred to our facility in urgent need of resection and repair due to profuse bleeding. An ultrasound confirmed the suspected diagnosis of ulnar artery aneurysm with thrombosis within the vessel. An area of skin necrosis was also present. Upon exploration of the wound, the ulnar artery pseudoaneurysm was identified and resected. The defect measured six millimeters and it was repaired primarily, under the microscope, after the proximal and distal portions were freed by dissection. The patient's incision was well healed at six-week follow-up. A systematic literature review of the English literature on ulnar artery aneurysm was conducted on PubMed/Medline, Embase, Cochrane Clinical Answers, and Cochrane Clinical Trials, without timeframe limitations. Finally, we provide an algorithm to assist the decision-making process in similar scenarios. Although ulnar artery aneurysm is rare on a pediatric patient, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis each time a patient presents with a wrist mass. In such cases, a high index of suspicion warrants examination by a hand specialist.

Retrospective Analysis of 120 Cases of Iatrogenic and Traumatic Peripheral Arterial Pseudoaneurysms

The pseudoaneurysm formation is the most common complication of arterial catheterization. This study aimed to report our clinical experience with the treatment of iatrogenic and post-traumatic pseudoaneurysms of the peripheral arteries. One hundred twenty patients, who were treated with the diagnosis of arterial pseudoaneurysm of the lower or upper extremity artery between January 2010 and October 2017, took part in this study. Patients with pseudoaneurysms originated from the anastomotic line of the previous vascular operations were excluded from the study. The diagnosis of pseudoaneurysms was made using ultrasonography and confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scan when deemed necessary. The most frequent symptom was a pulsatile mass. The mean diameter of pseudoaneurysms was 4.7±1.8 cm (2.3-8 cm). Among 120, 108 patients underwent surgery, and 10 patients required a blood transfusion during the operation. Wound infection was reported in 20 (15.5%) patients as an early postoperative complication. Arterial thrombosis developed in 6 (4.5%) patients, venous thrombosis in 2 (1.7%) patients, and lymphorrhea in 15 (12.5%) patients. A male patient died on the postoperative 25th day, while two patients died on postoperative 10th and 12th days (2.5%). Although lesser invasive treatment modalities have been described with some advantages or disadvantages, open surgical repair is the standard method of treatment for iatrogenic and traumatic peripheral arterial pseudoaneurysms.

Usefulness of doppler techniques in the diagnosis of peripheral iatrogenic pseudoaneurysms secondary to minimally invasive interventional and surgical procedures: imaging findings and diagnostic performance study.

The pseudoaneurysm (PA) is a perfused sac directly connecting with the arterial lumen by an interruption of the vessel wall continuity, more commonly secondary to trauma or iatrogenic causes. Aim of our study was to determine the accuracy and usefulness of Doppler techniques in the diagnosis of peripheral iatrogenic PAs secondary to minimally invasive procedures. From a three year prospective research, 20 Duplex Ultrasound (DUS) studies in as many patients presenting with periarterial pulsating mass clinically suspected for PA secondary to minimally invasive procedures were selected. The PA final diagnosis was confirmed by angiography in 12 patients (60% cases), by computed tomography angiography in 5 patients (25%), by surgery in 2 patients (10%), and by magnetic resonance angiography in 1 patient (5%). The vessels involved by PA formation were: common femoral artery in 8 cases (40%); superficial femoral artery in 4 cases (20%); brachial artery in 3 cases (15%); popliteal artery in 2 cases (10%); superficial temporal artery (STA) in 2 cases (10%); dorsal medial digital artery of the foot in 1 case (5%). Our study confirmed the usefulness of doppler techniques in the diagnosis of peripheral iatrogenic PAs. Specifically, a sensitivity of 90-95%, a specificity of 100% and predictive values of 100% (VPP) and 83-90% (VPN) were reported. The radiologist must always suspect a PA in the differential diagnosis of lesions contiguous to an artery vessel. This is to prevent potential complications such as e.g. massive haemorrhage. In this order, DUS allows a careful selection of patients who require to undergo in-depth imaging methods or surgical therapy, thus contributing to a significant reduction of contrast medium and exposure to ionizing radiation.

Endovascular Treatment of Pseudoaneurysm After Simultaneous Pancreas-Kidney Transplant: A Case Report

Pseudoaneurysm is a rare vascular complication in pancreas transplantation that can lead into life-threatening situations.A 44-year-old male patient after simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant was admitted to the hospital for routine tests 3 months after surgery. A computed tomography scan and ultrasound examination were done, and a diagnosis of pseudoaneurysm was made. The patient was qualified for endovascular treatment. The pseudoaneurysm was closed using coils, and kidney and pancreas grafts stayed in proper condition.Endovascular interventions in patients after pancreas transplantation are safe and preferable in managing postoperative complications

Intracranial Pseudoaneurysm Caused by Cerebral Paragonimiasis in Pediatric Patients

BackgroundWe investigated the proportion of pediatric patients with cerebral paragonimiasis and intracranial hemorrhage who have intracranial pseudoaneurysms. MethodsImages of 17 pediatric patients with cerebral paragonimiasis that first manifested as secondary intracranial hemorrhage were evaluated. All patients underwent computed tomographic angiography before surgery. A diagnosis of cerebral paragonimiasis was confirmed based on a positive Paragonimus-specific antibody test in serum samples from all 17 patients. Cerebral paragonimiasis in five of the 17 patients was further confirmed by histopathological examination of surgical specimens. ResultsComputed tomographic angiographic images for six of the 17 patients (35.3%) showed the presence of intracranial pseudoaneurysms. Follow-up computed tomographic angiographic scans two years later showed that two of the six patients had persistent pseudoaneurysms and underwent aneurysmectomy. The diagnosis of pseudoaneurysm was confirmed by histopathological examination postsurgery. In another two of the six patients, the pseudoaneurysm lesions were absorbed and could no longer be seen on three- to six-month follow-up scans. The final two patients with pseudoaneurysms are still under follow-up. Intracranial pseudoaneurysms with various degrees of surrounding hemorrhage were frequently observed at first manifestation. ConclusionsThe rupture of intracranial pseudoaneurysms is a common characteristic feature of secondary intracranial hemorrhage caused by cerebral paragonimiasis in pediatric patients.

Posterior Tibial Artery Pseudoaneurysm with Arteriovenous Fistula: Impact of Duplex Ultrasound on Diagnosis and Treatment

Post traumatic peripheral vascular injuries resulting in pseudoaneurysm (PSA) or arterial venous fistula (AVF) are rarely reported and may occur independently, or less commonly, concomitantly, following lower extremity fractures, penetrating or blunt trauma, and sports-related or orthopedic injuries. 1 Concomitant traumatic PSA and AVF requires accurate imaging and evaluation of hemodynamics for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Modalities for PSA repair include ultrasound-guided occlusion (thrombin injection), endovascular repair (coils, stents), and open surgical procedures (repair, ligation). A coexisting AVF can potentially impact the efficacy and safety of these options. This case demonstrates the important role of duplex ultrasound in the diagnosis and treatment algorithm of traumatic PSA.

Endograft Placement for Iliac Artery Pseudoaneurysm Following Graft Nephrectomy

Case report of iliac artery pseudoaneurysm from the nephrectomized site of transplant kidney. Endovascular management of iliac artery pseudoaneurysm after transplant graft nephrectomy is rarely reported. Patient presented with abdominal pain and pulsating mass in the right lower abdomen. The diagnosis of pseudoaneurysm was made with computed tomography angiogram. Iliac artery stent graft across the aneurysm excluded the sac and treated the compressive symptoms of patient. The endografting decreases intimal hyperplasia and allowing vascular conduit for the lower limb. The endovascular stent-graft placement in iliac artery is a reasonable and durable alternative in selected patients.

Pseudoaneurysm of anterior tibial artery following a diaphyseal fracture of the tibia mimicking a malignant bone tumor

Pseudoaneurysms of the lower limb are rare and frequently iatrogenics complications. Closed traumas are likely to generate lesions of the arterial wall, which generally become symptomatic at a later stage. The diagnosis of such vascular lesion is difficult because the symptomatology and the onset can be delayed. We herein report the case of a 15-year-old patient in whom the diagnosis of pseudoaneurysm of the anterior tibial artery was made 5months after a non-displaced closed fracture of the tibial shaft. The radiographs were evocative of a malignant bone tumor. The study of vessels by a contrast-enhanced CT-scan enabled us to diagnose the pseudoaneurysm. Before the occurrence of late onset swelling, a history of trauma must be sought, even old.

Recurrent Epistaxis from a Post-Traumatic Infraorbital Artery Pseudoaneurysm

Objective: To present a rare case of post-traumatic recurrent epistaxis in an elderly woman.&#x0D; Methods&#x0D; Design: Case Report&#x0D; Setting: Tertiary Private Hospital&#x0D; Participants: One&#x0D; Results: A 93-year-old woman had multiple admissions for recurrent life threatening nose-bleeding that was not controlled until a post-traumatic pseudoaneurysm of the infraorbital artery was diagnosed and embolized. &#x0D; Conclusion: The diagnosis of pseudoaneurysm should be considered in such cases, and treatment involving surgeons and interventional radiologists should be initiated to minimize morbidity and mortality.&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: recurrent epistaxis, post-traumatic pseudoaneurysm, right infraorbital artery, right internal maxillary artery, embolization &#x0D;

Common ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in the diagnosis of hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm after liver transplantation.

The diagnostic value of common ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm (HAP) after liver transplantation was investigated. From January 2005 to November 2015, information was collected on 2,085 cases of orthotopic liver transplantation. The cases included 1,617 men and 468 women. Common ultrasound and CEUS were used to monitor arterial blood flow following surgery, and the complications were assessed. Instruments used included Acuson Sequoia 512 and Mylab Twice, and the contrast agent was SonoVue. The standard of common ultrasound in the diagnosis of HAP was follicular structure, which had arterial blood flow signal present beside the hepatic artery. The diagnostic criteria of HAP using CEUS were abnormal and round contrast enhancement zone and perfusion of the contrast agent in the zone near the hepatic artery. The diagnostic standard of HAP was computed tomographic angiography (CTA) and emergency operation. Eight cases of HAP were diagnosed in 2,085 patients after liver transplantation (0.38%). Three cases of HAP were diagnosed successfully by common ultrasound while 5 cases were missed. Sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy for common ultrasound was 37.5, 100 and 99.76%, respectively. Six cases of HAP were diagnosed by CEUS and 2 cases were missed. Sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy for CEUS was 75, 100 and 99.9%, respectively. Collectively, CEUS is a convenient and effective diagnostic method for HAP following liver transplantation, the diagnostic sensitivity was obviously higher than that of the common ultrasound, and it was more convenient than CTA. Nevertheless, the diagnosis of pseudoaneurysm with deep location, and unsatisfactory grayscale images were easily missed.

Endovascular Stent Grafting of a Deep Femoral Artery Pseudoaneurysm.

IntroductionPseudoaneurysms (PSAs) are uncommon, but can occur as a complication of orthopedic procedures, usually associated with femur surgery. This report describes successful management of a PSA of the deep femoral artery (DFA) with an endovascular stent graft.ReportThis case reports an injury that presented as a false aneurysm secondary to a fractured neck of femur, which was initially confused with hematoma. Imaging confirmed the diagnosis of PSA, and the decision was taken to implant an endovascular stent graft.DiscussionThe endovascular stent graft was implanted based on radiological, anatomical, and clinical parameters. This case supports the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of stenting for PSA of the DFA.

Ten-Year Experience of Vascular Surgeon Management of Iatrogenic Pseudoaneurysms: Do Anticoagulant and/or Antiplatelet Medications Matter?

Previous studies examining the natural history of femoral pseudoaneurysms (PSAs) were performed before the current era of anticoagulant and/or antiplatelet therapy. The purpose of our study was to elucidate in a vascular surgeon directed approach to PSAs, the association between medication use and the failure of conservative, observation-only management. We retrospectively examined 308 femoral iatrogenic PSAs diagnosed via duplex imaging at our institution during a 10-year time period (2004-2013). Information on PSA characteristics, treatment, and antiplatelet and/or anticoagulant medication usage was obtained. We identified patients who failed observation-only conservation management, with failure defined as the need for delayed treatment because of PSAs triggered by either expansion (≥ 1 cm increase or size enlarging to ≥ 3 cm) and/or persistence (≥ 15 days). Immediate and/or acute treatments of PSAs included 1 ultrasound-guided compression, 14 surgical repairs, and 126 thrombin injections. Of the 167 PSAs initially managed by observation only, 70 (42%) were found by ultrasound imaging to thrombosis spontaneously. An additional 70 (42%) patients had the diagnosis of PSA <3 cm and were managed conservatively with only clinical follow-up. Twenty-seven PSAs (16%) originally managed conservatively required additional treatment because of expansion and/or persistence. Patients receiving dual-antiplatelet therapy had higher rates of failed conservative management (44%) than patients not on dual therapy (9%, P < 0.01). The number of antiplatelet and/or anticoagulant medications used during observation was larger in patients failing conservative management (2.0 ± 0.7) versus patients not requiring additional intervention (1.5 ± 0.7, P < 0.01). Most of the PSAs initially managed with observation-only did not require additional intervention. However, anticoagulant and/or antiplatelet agents use associated with PSAs required further intervention after failing observation-only management. When observation is the chosen strategy for PSA management, especially in the setting of aggressive antithrombotic and dual-antiplatelet therapy, surveillance is required to ensure proper resolution.

Pediatric craniofacial pseudoaneurysm with a variable history of antecedent trauma.

A pseudoaneurysm (PA) is a vascular lesion occurring along an artery most often associated with previous trauma. It presents clinically as a compressible, pulsatile mass, which can be painful, growing, and associated with headaches. We report a series of 4 pediatric patients referred for management of a "cyst" who had superficial craniofacial PAs arising in a variety of different locations with a variable history of antecedent trauma.This is an institutional review board-approved study of 4 consecutive patients presenting to the pediatric plastic surgery division with a diagnosis of PA between July 2012 and November 2013.The patients were initially referred for management of cyst. Each presented with compressible, pulsatile masses arising in varying locations along the superficial temporal or occipital arteries of the face and scalp. Three of the patients did not have a history of recent previous trauma. In the patients without history of trauma, further workup with duplex ultrasound was performed. In cases where the entire course of the artery could not be visualized by ultrasound, magnetic resonance angiography was performed to rule out an intracranial source of the lesion. Three lesions were excised with pathologic confirmation of the diagnosis of PA. All masses and associated symptoms resolved after the excision.Craniofacial PAs can occur in the pediatric population with a variable history of antecedent trauma. Awareness of this clinical phenomenon can help guide proper diagnosis for planning of safe, effective treatment. Surgical excision provides a safe, aesthetic result.

Abstract T MP33: Younger Age And Anticoagulation Are Risk Factors For Pseudoaneurysm In Cases Of Cervical Arterial Dissection

Background: Cervical artery dissection (CAD) is a frequent cause of ischemic stroke and pseudoaneurysm (PA) formation is a common complication. There is limited literature on the risk factors for PA formation. In particular, the influence of specific medical therapy for CAD_antiplatelet versus anticoagulation_is unknown. We hypothesized that anticoagulation in the treatment of CAD is a risk factor for PA formation. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 250 cases of CAD admitted to a single hospital between 2011 and 2014. A neuroradiologist diagnosed CAD and PA by CTA. We reviewed patient charts for several risk factors: antithrombotic therapy, associated trauma, subsequent stroke, and age. Outcome (resolution or growth at 3 months) and largest size (at any point in time) of PA was recorded. Statistics were non-parametric. Results: 35 patients had a diagnosis of CAD, PA, and follow-up vascular imaging at 3 months after onset. 27 patients presented concomitantly with CAD and PA; 8 patients later developed PA. Median patient age was 48 years, median PA length along longest axis was 8mm, 84% were treated with antiplatelets and 16% were treated with therapeutic anticoagulation. All patients treated with anticoagulation experienced PA growth versus 44% of those treated with antiplatelet agents (Fisher’s Exact p = 0.046). Younger age was also associated with PA growth (Wilcoxon rank sum test p = 0.0198) and there was a trend towards larger median pseudoaneurysm size in patients receiving anticoagulation (median size 17mm versus 5mm, p=0.09). Traumatic dissection and ischemic stroke were not associated with pseudoaneurysm development or size. Discussion: Our study finds that in the setting of CAD, treatment with anticoagulation and younger age are risk factors for PA growth; furthermore, patients on anticoagulation tend to have larger PAs. While the natural history of PAs is typically benign, many patients undergo invasive treatments and face the fear of other complications. Given the clinical equipoise surrounding CAD treatment, our findings may have important implications for patient care and should be replicated in a larger dataset.