J Korean Soc Plast Reconstr Surg.  2007 Mar;34(2):265-268.

Traumatic Pseudoaneurysm of the Superficial Temporal Artery diagnosed with 3-Dimensional Computed Tomography Angiography: Two Cases Report

• Kwon H
• Hwang DY
• Jung SN
• Yim YM
• Shin OR

Abstract

PURPOSE: Superficial temporal artery(STA) aneurysms are very rare and mostly occur as pseudoaneurysms secondary to trauma. Clinical diagnosis of STA pseudoaneurysm is based on a history of trauma or surgery to frontotemporal region, which presents with pulsatile mass. To confirm diagnosis, many imaging strategies can be used such as digital subtraction angiography, sonography, CT and MRI. But, these imaging modalities are invasive or inaccurate or expensive. Thus, we used 3D CT angiography to confirm STA aneurysm and to get accurate information.
METHODS
We have experienced two cases of pulsatile mass on the temporal area, suspected as STA pseudoaneurysms. On the basis of clinical information, we performed 3D CT angiography to get more accurate information about this pulsatile mass and to confirm diagnosis. On the basis of information from 3D CT angiography, we performed operation.
RESULTS
The lesions were diagnosed as pseudoaneurysm of superficial temporal artery by 3D CT angiography, and surgically resected safely without any complication on the basis of information from 3D CT angiography. 3D CT angiography was excellent diagnostic method for detecting STA pseudoaneurysms, and effectively showed many information about pseudoanerysms such as relationship between the aneurysms and surrounding structures, and its size.
CONCLUSION
We could effectively diagnose and treat on the basis of information from 3D CT angiography. We present our cases with a brief review of the literature related to STA traumatic pseudoaneurysms.

Keyword

Superficial temporal artery; Traumatic pseudoaneurysm; 3D CT angiography

MeSH Terms

Aneurysm
Aneurysm, False*
Angiography*
Angiography, Digital Subtraction
Diagnosis
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Temporal Arteries*