Post-traumatic pseudoaneurysm of the upper extremity in two pediatric patients

Pseudoaneurysm is the peri-arterial hematoma formed on the arterial wall following a partial laceration or an incomplete traumatic injury. Unlike actual aneurysms, it does not involve intima, media, and adventitia. This condition, which may occur in hand surgery practice, is rarely seen in the pediatric population. In this report, we present examples of post-traumatic pseudoaneurysms developing in two pediatric patients. Two patients with the ages of 5 and 15 were admitted to our clinic with findings of palmar arch originated hypothenar, and ulnar artery stemmed forearm pseudoaneurysms, respectively. Both patients underwent pseudoaneurysm sac excisions. Reconstruction of the first case was conducted with a primary microsurgical repair. In the second case, the defect was reconstructed with a interposed cephalic vein graft. No motor, sensory or vascular problems were observed during follow-up. In patients presented with a posttraumatic mass near an artery, pseudoaneurysm should be considered and proper treatment should be planned as soon as possible. It is important to ensure optimal circulation in the extremity which is still in the development stage, particularly in the pediatric population. [Hand Microsurg 2013; 2(1.000): 35-38