Diagnosis and Management of a 4-Year-Old Male with Ulnar Artery Pseudoaneurysm.

Background: Pseudoaneurysms are a rare vascular phenomenon caused by an intimal tear leading to hemorrhaging into surrounding tissue. Upper extremity pseudoaneurysms are well documented in adult patients and are attributed to repetitive trauma. Pediatric pseudoaneurysms are rare and are frequently misdiagnosed, which could lead to serious complications.

Methods: This report presents the case of a 4-year-old male patient with an ulnar pseudoaneurysm of the right upper extremity. The pseudoaneurysm was diagnosed by ultrasound and computed tomography angiography and subsequently resected. The ulnar artery was reconstructed with an arterial graft using the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery. Patency of the end-to-end anastomosis was confirmed by strip testing and Allen's test.

Conclusions: The aim of this report is to provide a background of upper extremity pseudoaneurysms and describe their rare occurrence in pediatric patients and potential for complications upon misdiagnosis. Additionally, this report aims to highlight an alternative approach to management of pediatric pseudoaneurysms and advocate for reconstruction of the affected artery regardless of collateral flow being established.