Rare case of axillary pseudoaneurysm subsequent to an intra-arterial percutaneous cannulation

Abstract

Axillary pseudoaneurysm (PSA) is a rare condition that mainly presents with traumatic injury. In this case report, we show an iatrogenic axillary PSA, following an intra-arterial line (A-line) removal. A 75-year-old with an extensive past medical history including diabetes hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, and atrial fibrillation on Warfarin came to the hospital for an elective abdominal aortic aneurism repair. During her postsurgical stay, she had multiple A-line placements due to recurrent malfunctions and ended up having an axillary A-line. The development of a PSA complicated the removal of the line; an infrequent complication. This was treated with thrombin injection a couple of times after which homeostasis was achieved. Although axillary PSAs are rare, especially iatrogenic ones, individual attention and care should be taken while handling axillary A-lines. Furthermore, one should have a low level of suspicion, especially in patients with multiple predisposing risk factors such as ours.