False aneurysm of a proper digital artery caused by repetitive microtrauma in a 16-year-old baseball player

Abstract

We report a case of false aneurysm of a proper digital artery of the thumb in a 16-year-old baseball player. Resection of the aneurysm and end-to-end anastomosis resulted in relief of the patient's symptoms and recovery allowing a return to baseball activity. Repetitive microtrauma, which is an atypical cause of a false aneurysm, to the ulnar aspect of the left thumb caused by swinging a bat led to formation of the false aneurysm. Although the occurrence of an aneurysm related to a sports activity is rare, surgeons should consider aneurysm as a possible diagnosis in a case with mass formation of the hand related to sports activity.

Post-traumatic false aneurysm in a digital artery of the finger

“…The usual mode of presentation is that of a slowlyenlarging mass that may be painful [2][3][4]. If the digital nerve is compressed by the aneurysm there may also be some sensory disturbance [5].…”

Pseudoaneurysm: an unusual cause of post-traumatic hand swelling

“…Traumatic false aneurysms are rare and the majority are as a result of penetrating injuries or due to repetitive microtrauma, also known as hammer hand syndrome, reported in the case of a baseball player 1. In the few documented cases in the literature, the presentation involves a tender pulsatile palmar swelling 4.…”

“…Few cases of hand pseudoaneurysm are reported in the literature with the majority arising secondary to a penetrating injury to the hand or repetitive microtrauma 1. Early diagnosis and management is imperative to avoid complications such as distal embolism with drastic sequelae such as gangrene or ischaemia of the fingers, spontaneous rupture, bone erosion or peripheral nerve dysfunction.…”

False aneurysm of the superficial palmar arch in a child: a case report

“…On the other hand, repetitive microtrauma can cause a false aneurysm to develop. Interestingly, a case of false aneurysm of the digital artery of the thumb associated with the sport of baseball has been reported [5]. …”

“…A false aneurysm in the hand is rare. When it occurs, the digital artery is the usual site [2-5]. The superficial palmar arch is an extremely rare site for a false aneurysm.…”