Venous Pseudoaneurysms: Sonographic Presentation, Correlation with Other Diagnostic Imaging Techniques, and Supported by the Literature

Abstract

The objective of this study is to demonstrate the sonographic and computed tomographic features of venous pseudoaneurysms and show the difference between true and false venous aneurysms and arterial pseudoaneurysms. Likewise, it was important to provide a historical context based on a literature review of vascular aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms, emphasizing venous pseudoaneurysms. Clinical cases are presented for context, and the vascular examinations were performed utilizing a General Electric (GE) Logiq Fortis or Logiq S8 scanners with a broad-band linear-array transducer (L2-9). Computed tomography (CT) with contrast was performed on a GE Revolution Maxima 64-slice CT scanner with 100 mL Omnipaque-350 as a contrast agent. The three-dimensional (3D) axial, sagittal, and coronal reconstructions were made with the Philips IntelliSpace software. Levels of evidence are provided based on a literature search of relevant publications using the National Library of Medicine, PubMed, and Google Books. Different types of venous pseudoaneurysms, venous aneurysms, and arterial pseudoaneurysm diagnosed by duplex sonography and CT were presented. An extensive historical and literature review was conducted based on publications from the 18th to 21st centuries. Venous pseudoaneurysms are uncommon. Most of them are iatrogenic and are usually found as a complication of repetitive venipuncture in patients receiving hemodialysis with arteriovenous fistulas. In rare cases, venous pseudoaneurysms occur spontaneously.