TRAUMATIC ANEURYSM OF THE RADIAL ARTERY: A REPORT OF THREE CASES.

Abstract Three additional cases of traumatic aneurysm of the radial artery are reported. It is probable that many are undiagnosed or unreported as the total number recorded in the literature since 1914 is less than twenty. Diagnosis can be made when the typical sequence of events occurs and characteristic findings are present. It is twice as common in males. A history of trauma to the lower forearm is invariable. Thereafter, a soft, irregular mass approximately 2.5 cm. in its greatest dimension appears along the course of the radial artery. This mass empties on pressure and rapidly refills when pressure is released. An arteriogram is usually not utilized for diagnosis. The treatment of choice is resection with an end to end anastomosis; but because of the caliber of the artery and the defect remaining after excision of the aneurysm, ligation has been used in most patients and appears to be satisfactory.