[Arteriosclerotic aneurysms of the subclavian artery].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate diagnostic investigations, operative management and long-term outcome of atherosclerotic aneurysms of the subclavian artery.


METHODS
A retrospective clinical study through a follow-up period of 68 months (8 months to 11 years).


METHODS
Department of Vascular Surgery, University Hospital.


METHODS
Between 1983 and 1995, 5 patients with atherosclerotic aneurysms of the extrathoracic subclavian artery were reviewed. All patients presented a pulsatile supraclavicular mass. Ultrasonography and angiography confirmed the diagnosis and were useful in planning the operation.


METHODS
Four patients were submitted, through a supraclavicular incision, to resection of the aneurysm and replacement of a prosthetic graft (dacron in 2 cases, PTFE in the remaining 2 cases). In one patient, with a small saccular aneurysm, a tangential aneurysmectomy with a patch angioplasty (PTFE) was performed.


RESULTS
All patients recovered after a mean hospital-stay of 9 days and had a valid radial pulsation. During the follow-up period, a dacron graft failure occurred 38 months later in one patient: she remains today asymptomatic.


CONCLUSIONS
Resection is today recommended for all patients with diagnosed subclavian artery aneurysms. Because of unknown natural history of asymptomatic aneurysms, with an unpredictable risk of complications, more accurate evaluations are required for optimal clinical decision making (early surgery vs watchful waiting?).
Porcellini
M
M
Cattedra di Chirurgia Vascolare, Università degli Studi di Napoli, Federico I.
Selvetella
L
L
Scalise
E
E
Bauleo
A
A
Baldassarre
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000783:Aneurysm / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D000792:Angiography; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D001807:Blood Vessel Prosthesis; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011093:Polyethylene Terephthalates; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013348:Subclavian Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013997:Time Factors; D018615:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color
D011093:Polyethylene Terephthalates; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene