title: Axillary sheath hematomas causing neurologic complications following arterial access.
abstract: Iatrogenic brachial plexus injuries secondary to expanding hematomas and pseudoaneurysms have been described in limited nature in previously published data. We present the case of a 55-year-old woman who developed neurologic deficits because of a compressive hematoma after axillary arteriography. She underwent emergent exploration of her left arm with decompression of the axillary sheath and brachial artery repair with complete recovery. We describe the presentation, relevant anatomy, and importance of this condition and stress the need for early recognition and surgical intervention to prevent permanent neurologic deficits.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center, Fort Gordon, GA, USA. daniel.tran@us.army.mil
authors.forename: Daniel D
authors.initials: DD
authors.lastname: Tran
authors.forename: Charles A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Andersen
mesh_terms: D001916:Brachial Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D020516:Brachial Plexus Neuropathies / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D002406:Catheterization, Peripheral / Q000009:adverse effects*; D019299:Decompression, Surgical; D005260:Female; D006406:Hematoma / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009408:Nerve Compression Syndromes / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D011677:Punctures / Q000009:adverse effects; D011859:Radiography; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000098:blood supply*