Vertebral artery pseudoaneurysm. A rare complication of subclavian artery catheterization.
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.
Amaral
J F
JF
Department of Surgery, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence 02903.
Grigoriev
V E
VE
Dorfman
G S
GS
Carney
W I
WI
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