A complication of the transradial approach: thyrocervical trunk pseudoaneurysm with hemothorax

Abstract

The transradial approach has gained popularity in the neuroendovascular field after several studies proved its low rate of hemorrhagic and vascular-related complications in both diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. This is a case of a patient who presented for flow diversion treatment of an incidental left carotid ophthalmic aneurysm. The procedure was uneventful. Post-operatively, the patient’s neurological exam and vital signs were normal, however the patient complained of abdominal and chest pain that worsened when lying down and improved when sitting up. Radiologic diagnosis confirmed the presence of a thyrocervical trunk pseudoaneurysm which was completely obliterated with Onyx 18 embolization. Thyrocervical trunk pseudoaneurysm formation is a rare complication of the transradial approach. Shedding the light on these entities is essential as symptoms vary in severity and presentation and necessitate swift diagnosis and treatment.