Traumatic ulnar artery pseudoaneurysm. A case report

Vascular disorders of the upper extremity are uncommon and far less common than those of the lower extremity; nonetheless, they can cause significant morbidity. Aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms of the upper extremities are exceedingly rare lesions, and when they do occur, only 3.8% of cases involve the radial and ulnar regions. An ulnar artery aneurysm is typically caused by trauma to the palmar portion of the ulnar artery, typically as a result of occupational or athletic activities involving repetitive microtrauma to the heel of the hand. Clinical findings may include pain, cold sensitivity, numbness, and symptoms of ulceration and/or gangrene correlating with inadequate flow in the ulnar territory. The gold standard for treating a large aneurysm is surgery. Technically, the aneurysm could be resected, and vascular reconstruction could be accomplished via direct anastomosis of the distal and proximal ulnar arteries or a procedure involving a saphenous vein graft. Hypothenar hammer syndrome is the most common cause of arterial trauma leading to aneurysm formation.