Peripheral False Aneurysms: An Evolution Of Precedent Vascular Injury

Abstract

With the rise in armed conflicts in Nigeria, major vascular injuries are seen more commonly. Unfortunately it is not well appreciated that securing haemostasis at the site of injury is not tantamount to adequate handling of the vascular situation. Occasioned by misdiagnosis of the extent and type of vascular damage, false aneurysms may develop long after the initial care of the damaged vessel. Presented here are eleven consecutive cases of peripheral false aneurysms of the extremities which developed between two weeks and nine months after the initial injury. Objective evaluation and prompt referral to vascular surgical units will improve the management of such cases and so obviate the development of false aneurysms.

Keywords: False, Aneurysm, Prompt

Nigerian Journal of Surgical Sciences Vol. 17 (2) 2007: pp. 109-112