title: Superficial temporal artery pseudoaneurysm presenting as a growing, pulsatile, and tender mass.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Superficial temporal artery (STA) pseudoaneurysms have been reported in the literature since the mid of seventeenth century from Bartholin, however, there is an increasing number of cases, suggesting a diversity of etiological factors. Among these, traumatic events, even of an iatrogenic nature, have been identified as causative factors for nonspontaneous STA pseudoaneurysms. Regional pain and tenderness, troublesome pulsations of the mass, cosmetic concerns as well as the risk of bleeding warrant a thorough evaluation and a definite interventional approach to the condition.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 21-year-old Caucasian male searched medical advice for a growing, tender, and pulsatile mass on his right temple, with isolated and short episodes of lancinating sensations, after sustaining a blunt trauma following a hit with a stick half a year before the admission. Enhanced cranial computed tomography and angiography confirmed the diagnosis of an STA pseudoaneurysm. A direct percutaneous aspiration, as well as ultrasonography, was performed prior to the neurosurgical intervention, with the complete removal of the mass.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  STA pseudoaneurysms require a careful evaluation and a conclusive approach in order to avoid the risk of a growing mass and other nonremote complications such as bone erosions and bleeding. Different treatment options are available, including endovascular obliteration and embolization, however, surgical removal after ligation of the afferent and efferent segments of the vessel seem to be highly effective.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology-Neurosurgery-Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine in Tirana, Tirana, Albania.
authors.forename: Arsen
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Seferi
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology-Neurosurgery-Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine in Tirana, Tirana, Albania.
authors.forename: Ridvan
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Alimehmeti
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology-Neurosurgery-Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine in Tirana, Tirana, Albania.
authors.forename: Ermira
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Pajaj
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical and Experimental, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine in Tirana, Tirana, Albania.
authors.forename: Gentian
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Vyshka
keywords: Blunt trauma; embolization; needle aspiration; superficial temporal artery pseudoaneurysm; surgical removal