title: Vertebral artery pseudoaneurysm. A rare complication of subclavian artery catheterization.
abstract: The present case report details a previously unreported complication of subclavian vein catheterization, vertebral artery pseudoaneurysm. Attention to this problem was brought about in the patient by the development of stridor and dysphagia noted 5 days following placement of the subclavian catheter. A computed tomographic scan of the neck revealed a superior mediastinal, contrast-enhancing mass in the region of the right subclavian artery with a "bull's-eye" sign suggestive of a pseudoaneurysm. Arteriography subsequently proved the pseudoaneurysm to be of vertebral origin. The pseudoaneurysm was ligated via a neck incision together with a median sternotomy to obtain vascular control. The evaluation and treatment options of this problem are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence 02903.
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Amaral
authors.forename: V E
authors.initials: VE
authors.lastname: Grigoriev
authors.forename: G S
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Dorfman
authors.forename: W I
authors.initials: WI
authors.lastname: Carney
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000783:Aneurysm / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011859:Radiography; D013348:Subclavian Artery; D013350:Subclavian Vein; D014711:Vertebral Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging