Early-Onset Traumatic Occipital Artery Pseudoaneurysm: A Short Report

Abstract

Here we present a rare case of a 63-year-old male patient who presented to the emergency department 3 days after a fall from standing height, with a painful nonpulsatile mass in the right occipital region. A computed tomography (CT) angiography revealed a contrast-enhanced round vascular lesion measuring 2.5 cm in diameter, continuous with a terminal branch of the right occipital artery, associated with hematoma in the occipital subgaleal region and no intracranial lesions. A diagnosis of traumatic occipital artery pseudoaneurysm was established. Owing to worsening pain and to mitigate the risk of hemorrhage, surgical intervention was recommended. Successful proximal ligation and bipolar coagulation of the parent artery, along with posterior lesion dissection and excision, were performed. The postoperative course was uneventful. A follow-up CT angiography 2 days later showed complete resolution, and the patient was discharged home with significant improvement in symptoms.

Keywords

occipital artery - trauma - pseudoaneurysm

Publication History

Article published online:
02 April 2025

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