title: Brachial plexopathy secondary to anticoagulant-induced hematoma as a complication of axillary arteriography.
abstract: In the patient described, brachial plexopathy was caused by a large anticoagulant-induced hematoma and pseudoaneurysm. The patient was seen at the hospital 2 weeks postarteriography with weakness, numbness, and pain in the left arm, as well as diffuse left-sided ecchymosis. Noncontrast computed tomographic scans of the axilla confirmed the diagnosis by showing an organized hematoma in the axillary compartment. Color-flow Doppler ultrasound studies showed blood flow in a pseudoaneurysm. This is a rare complication of arteriography that requires surgical intervention to remove the hematoma, decompress the brachial plexus, and repair the puncture site responsible for the pseudoaneurysm. Even if there is a delayed diagnosis, surgery should be performed urgently. Prognosis is based on prompt recognition and timely surgical intervention.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Practice, Mesa General Hospital Medical Center, Ariz, USA.
authors.forename: D W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Shoup
authors.forename: G J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Toffol
authors.forename: T J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Trahan
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D017541:Aneurysm, False / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D000792:Angiography / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001366:Axillary Artery; D001917:Brachial Plexus / Q000293:injuries*; D006406:Hematoma / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000209:etiology*
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants