Coil embolization of a giant pseudoaneurysm associated with a disrupted axillary artery: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Stent-graft placement is generally used to treat pseudoaneurysm (PSA) of the axillary artery (AA) trunk to maintain the patency of peripheral vessels. Coil embolization of a PSA associated with a disrupted AA trunk has rarely been reported.

CASE PRESENTATION: A 54-year-old woman presented with swelling of her right shoulder. She had had a right proximal humeral fracture 12 years earlier. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) and subsequent angiograms revealed a giant PSA at the disrupted, distal right AA. There were collateral flows to the brachial artery from the proximal to the right AA. To preserve collateral flows to the brachial artery, selective embolization of the inflow artery that derived from the distal AA was performed with hydrogel-coated coils. The post-embolization arteriogram showed no flow into the PSA, but collateral flows to the brachial artery we preserved. The post-embolization course was uneventful. The patient regained warmth in her right arm and hand on post-embolization day 4. Repeat CECT on post-embolization day 9 confirmed blood-flow to her right radial artery.

CONCLUSIONS: While a stent-graft should be used if the AA trunk can be preserved, coil embolization should be considered for PSA if the AA trunk is disrupted but collaterals are preserved.