Shao Miriam M, Huda Shayan, Narayan Vinayak, Serulle Yafell, Ben-Shalom Netanel
Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Lenox Hill Hospital, Donald and Barbara Zucker, Hofstra.
CUNY School of Medicine, Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education, New York City, NY.
J Craniofac Surg. 2024 Oct 1;35(7):2116-2118. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000010594. Epub 2024 Sep 9.
Superficial temporal artery (STA) pseudoaneurysms, characterized by arterial wall defects leading to blood leakage into perivascular tissues, present as pulsatile edematous masses, often originating from trauma or iatrogenic causes. Although rare (<1% of vascular lesions), anticoagulation agent use may contribute to their increasing incidence.
Traditional surgical ligation and resection have been standard, but the advent of endovascular techniques offers minimally invasive alternatives that mitigate surgical risks, especially in patients with multiple medical comorbidities. This case report details the successful endovascular management of an STA pseudoaneurysm using n-butyl cyanoacrylate (n-BCA) glue embolization.
A 93-year-old female with renal failure, cardiac history, and anticoagulant therapy presented with large periorbital ecchymosis and edema after a fall. Computed tomography revealed a periorbital mass corresponding to her symptoms, and a repeat computed tomography conducted 2 months later indicated mass growth. Doppler ultrasonography suggested a partially thrombosed pseudoaneurysm from the right STA. Considering the patient's age and medical conditions, endovascular embolization using n-BCA glue was chosen over surgical ligation. The patient was discharged uneventfully, and follow-up confirmed spontaneous resolution.
This case demonstrates the evolving role of endovascular techniques, particularly in cases unsuitable for surgery. Liquid embolic agents like n-BCA offer precise occlusion capabilities, solidifying their potential as a standalone treatment option for STA pseudoaneurysms.
