Tubercular pseudoaneurysm of the axillary artery

Abstract

Tuberculous (TB) involvement of the vascular system has been reported in the preantibiotic era. We, hereby, report a case involving a teenage boy who presented to us with left upper limb pain followed by gradually progressive motor and sensory deficit over 1 month with preceding history of tuberculosis. Examination revealed a palpable, noncompressible, nonpulsatile swelling superior to the lateral third of the clavicle. Imaging through ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the presence of a pseudoaneurysm with compression of the underlying nerves. The child underwent surgical thrombectomy with pseudoaneurysm repair and arteriorrhaphy along with antitubercular medications with complete recovery at 6 months. The tissue staining, nucleic acid amplification tests, and histopathology confirmed TB etiology. Tuberculosis continues to remain a major health concern, especially in the developing world. High index of suspicion is necessary to diagnose such manifestations to avoid catastrophic sequelae.

Keywords

• pseudoaneurysm repair
• tuberculosis complications
• vascular surgery