Brachial Artery Pseudo-aneurysm in a Toddler Due to Penetrating Trauma

Abstract

Objective: We present a toddler who developed a pseudo-aneurysm of the left brachial artery one month after sustaining a cut on his left forearm. Case Report and Interventions: A one and a half yearold boy was referred with a swollen and painful left forearm which was bleeding from a focal point. He was being managed as a case of venous hematoma and was referred when the bleeding could not be controlled. A clinical diagnosis of pseudo-aneurysm was confirmed by Doppler ultrasonography and repair done with a direct
closure of the arterial defect. Conclusion: Although brachial artery pseudoaneurysms (BAPs) following penetrating trauma are most likely to be iatrogenic, they can also occur outside the clinical setting and should not be mistaken for a venous hematoma. Duplex ultrasonography should be used as an initial screening and diagnostic tool to secure an early diagnosis reserving more invasive tests for patients requiring more complex procedures. Management should be surgical.