Aneurysms of the Upper Extremity

Discussion

• pulsatile, tender mass
• vasospastic symptoms (burns's)
• digit ischemia and/or gangrene
• embolic showers from mural thrombi
• adjacent nerve compression
• may be erythematous and mimic an abscess
• systolic bruit or thrill

Exam

• allen's test may be positive if the aneuysm is occluded;
• perform digital Allen's test;

Treatment

• surgery recommended due to risk of thrombosis & peripheral emb.
• reconstruction versus resection;
• choice guided by adequacy of digital blood flow after resection;
• if DBI >, no reconstuction required