Spontaneous brachial artery pseudoaneurysm secondary to vasculitis

Abstract

Background Avoiding operative intervention during the active phase of vasculitis is a central tenant of management of this pathology. For unusual presentations of vascular disease, the early diagnosis of vasculitis is imperative to guide treatment. Methods We present the case of a 68-year-old female who presented with a spontaneous brachial artery pseudoaneurysm and was found to have granulomatosis with polyangiitis. Results and conclusion The management of arterial complications of vasculitis are particularly difficult in the active phase of disease. Our patient had successful resolution of her pseudoaneurysm with ultrasound compression, avoiding open or endovascular intervention during the active phase of disease.