Nair N, Suhania M
Hospital Teluk Intan, Department of Radiology, Perak, Malaysia.
Med J Malaysia. 2021 May;76(3):429-431.
A pseudoaneurysm, or false aneurysm, is a haematoma that is formed secondary to a leaking hole in an artery. This haematoma is contained by surrounding fascia. In contrast, a true aneurysm contains all three layers of vessel wall, namely intima. Pseudoaneurysms are scarce and can arise consequential of numerous iatrogenic influences, including but not limited to, blunt or penetrating trauma, orthopedic procedures like tibial nailing or ankle arthroscopy, and sports injury. A thorough history taking focusing on the recent history of trauma or instrumentation and clinical examination should raise the suspicion of a pseudoaneurysm. In doubtful cases, imaging modalities such as an ultrasound and doppler examination of the lower limb can be utilized to confirm the diagnosis. Our case was a 37-year-old gentleman presented with progressive swelling in the anterior aspect of his left leg for the past two weeks. The patient had a atypical presentation, with absence of classic signs of a pseudoaneurysm such as a pulsatile mass, absence distal pulses or a thrill or bruit. However, these injuries albeit rare can be sinister and prompt diagnosis is critical, so that pertinent treatment can be delivered. Our case highlights the importance of sonographic approaches for suspected vascular injuries.
假性动脉瘤,又称假动脉瘤,是一种继发于动脉破口的血肿。该血肿由周围筋膜包裹。相比之下,真性动脉瘤包含血管壁的所有三层结构,即内膜。假性动脉瘤较为少见,可由多种医源性因素引起,包括但不限于钝性或穿透性创伤、诸如胫骨钉固定术或踝关节镜检查等骨科手术以及运动损伤。详细询问近期创伤或器械操作史并进行临床检查,应能引发对假性动脉瘤的怀疑。在可疑病例中,可利用超声和下肢多普勒检查等影像学手段来确诊。我们的病例是一位37岁男性,在过去两周内左腿前侧出现进行性肿胀。该患者表现不典型,没有假性动脉瘤的典型体征,如搏动性肿块、远端脉搏消失或震颤或杂音。然而,这些损伤尽管罕见,但可能很严重,及时诊断至关重要,以便进行相应治疗。我们的病例凸显了超声检查方法对疑似血管损伤的重要性。