Pseudoaneurysm of anterior tibial artery following a diaphyseal fracture of the tibia mimicking a malignant bone tumor

Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2016 Sep;136(9):1247-1250. doi: 10.1007/s00402-016-2525-6. Epub 2016 Jul 22.

Abstract

Pseudoaneurysms of the lower limb are rare and frequently iatrogenics complications. Closed traumas are likely to generate lesions of the arterial wall, which generally become symptomatic at a later stage. The diagnosis of such vascular lesion is difficult because the symptomatology and the onset can be delayed. We herein report the case of a 15-year-old patient in whom the diagnosis of pseudoaneurysm of the anterior tibial artery was made 5 months after a non-displaced closed fracture of the tibial shaft. The radiographs were evocative of a malignant bone tumor. The study of vessels by a contrast-enhanced CT-scan enabled us to diagnose the pseudoaneurysm. Before the occurrence of late onset swelling, a history of trauma must be sought, even old.

Keywords: Bone malignant tumor; Pseudoaneurysm; Tibial shaft.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Aneurysm, False / diagnostic imaging*
  • Aneurysm, False / etiology
  • Bone Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Diaphyses / diagnostic imaging
  • Diaphyses / injuries*
  • Fractures, Closed / complications*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Tibial Arteries / diagnostic imaging*
  • Tibial Fractures / complications*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed