Surgical treatment of distal ulnar artery aneurysm

E. John Harris, Loyd M. Taylor, James M. Edwards, Joseph L. Mills, John M. Porter

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

43 Scopus citations

Abstract

In the past 7 years, we have encountered six patients with finger ischemia as a result of digital artery occlusion associated with seven distal ulnar artery aneurysms. Our experience with the management of these patients forms the basis of this report. All patients were men, with a mean age of 29 years, and all experienced repetitive trauma to the involved upper extremity. Each patient presented with the acute onset of cool and painful digits, with no previous history of cold sensitivity or Raynaud's syndrome. None of the patients had any serologic or clinical evidence of autoimmune disease. Angiography revealed occlusion of the ulnar artery on the affected side in two patients and patent ulnar artery aneurysms in the remaining five patients. There was occlusion of multiple common and proper digital arteries in all patients. One patient with bilateral ulnar artery aneurysms underwent operative repair consisting of aneurysms excision and replacement with autogenous vein grafts from the lower extremity. All patients have improved symptoms, and the grafts remained patent over a mean follow-up of 24 months (range: 13 to 57 months). Based on these results, we recommend that excision and grafting be considered for patients with symptomatic patent ulnar artery aneurysms. Selected patients with thrombosed aneurysms with ongoing digital ischemia may also benefit from surgical intervention.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)527-530
Number of pages4
JournalThe American Journal of Surgery
Volume159
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - May 1990
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery

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