Elsevier

The Journal of Hand Surgery

Volume 15, Issue 6, November 1990, Pages 891-897
The Journal of Hand Surgery

Original communication
Surgical management of ulnar artery aneurysms

https://doi.org/10.1016/0363-5023(90)90010-OGet rights and content

Abstract

In a ten-year review (1978 to 1988), ten ulnar artery aneurysms in nine male patients were studied. Blunt trauma led to 70%, penetrating trauma to 20%, and 10% had no history of trauma. Three cases were seen as asymptomatic palmar masses with brief antecedent histories of 4 weeks or less. Seven patients with aneurysms had persistent vascular hand symptoms for 6 weeks or longer. All seven symtomatic lesions proved to be sources of emboli. Diagnostic arteriography was done in all cases. Intraoperative digital plethysmography aided in operative decisions regarding the necessity for microvascular reconstruction. Five aneurysms were resected with end-to-end ulnar artery microvascular reconstruction. Five aneurysms were resected case treated with long-term anticoagulants. Follow-up, averaging 40 months, showed uniform improvement in vascular symptoms, with no loss of jeopardized tissues. Ulnar artery aneurysms, well studied preoperatively and intraoperatively, can be treated successfully with selective microvascular reconstruction.

References (30)

  • RF Hall et al.

    Osseous changes due to a false aneurysm of the proper digital artery: a case report

    J Hand Surg

    (1986)
  • GR Silcott et al.

    Palmar arch arterial reconstruction for the salvage of ischemic fingers

    Am J Surg

    (1981)
  • PL Aulicino et al.

    True palmar aneurysms—a case report and literature review

    J Hand Surg

    (1982)
  • DP Green

    True and false traumatic aneurysms in the hand

    J Bone Joint Surg

    (1973)
  • LH Millender et al.

    Aneurysms and thromboses of the ulnar artery in the hand

    Arch Surg

    (1972)
  • Cited by (47)

    • Idiopathic true aneurysm of distal radial artery aneurysm in Chulabhorn Hospital: A case report

      2022, Annals of Vascular Surgery - Brief Reports and Innovations
    • Idiopathic true ulnar artery aneurysm

      2021, International Journal of Surgery Case Reports
      Citation Excerpt :

      If the aneurysm is distal, simple resection is a suitable option if the hand is adequately perfused with an intact radial artery [10]. However, if hand perfusion is inadequate, ulnar artery reconstruction using microsurgical technique is mandatory [11]. The reconstruction can be achieved by primary end-to-end anastomosis if there is no tension.

    • True Idiopathic Radial Artery Aneurysm: A Case Report and Review of Current Literature

      2020, EJVES Vascular Forum
      Citation Excerpt :

      Options range from simple resection and ligation of the radial artery stump if the hand is adequately perfused, vs. reconstruction with a primary end to end anastomosis if there is no tension, or with graft interposition if the defect is lengthy. There is no clear consensus about whether to ligate or reconstruct the radial artery: some authors have proposed revascularisation whenever possible,8 whereas others have argued for selective revascularisation depending on the collateral circulation.9,10 Nonetheless, both methods have achieved good results with low morbidity, as evidenced by previously reported cases in Table 1 and in this patient.

    • Posttraumatic pseudoaneurysm of a superficial branch of the ulnar artery: A case report

      2020, International Journal of Surgery Case Reports
      Citation Excerpt :

      Ultrasound-guided thrombin injection is effective for uncomplicated post-catheterization pseudoaneurysms of the femoral artery with a success rate of 90% [23]. However, experience with thrombin injection is limited and embolization can result in fatal ischemia [24]. The authors favor surgical treatment.

    • Rapidly Expanding Ulnar False Aneurysm Related to a Tablet Computer

      2015, Annals of Vascular Surgery
      Citation Excerpt :

      Repetitive trauma to the palm of the hand is a common cause in producing HHS, and has even been correlated to the duration of employment as hammerer,11 but an isolated incident of trauma may also lead to the development of an aneurysm. Most pseudoaneurysms are caused by acute trauma with direct arterial injury,12–14 and rapidly expanding false aneurysms are usually described as secondary to a penetrating trauma.1,12 However, chronic low-intensity repetitive trauma could lead to pseudoaneurysm formation in the ulnar artery, that is only protected by the skin, subcutaneous tissue, palmaris brevis muscle, and superficial aponeurosis.

    View all citing articles on Scopus

    No benefits in any form have been received or will be received from a commercial party related directly or indirectly to the subject of this article.

    View full text