Traumatic Pseudoaneurysm of the Axillary Artery

Abstract

Three cases of pseudoaneurysm of the axillary artery resulting from blunt or penetrating trauma to the shoulder are reported. Delayed recognition led to compression neuropathies of the brachial plexus. Despite adequate vascular repair of the axillary artery all three patients had permanent neurologic deficits. Therefore brachial plexus palsy occurring after blunt or penetrating shoulder trauma should alert the clinician to investigate the vascular supply of the arm.