Multiple idiopathic arterial aneurysms in children: a case report and review of the literature

Abstract

A 6-year-old boy from China presented initially at 2 years of age with a pulsatile mass in his right antecubital fossa. He was not fully evaluated until the age of six years, when pan-angiography and computed axial tomography scan revealed multiple aneurysms of his right brachial artery, right radial artery aneurysms, an infrarenal aortic aneurysm, and a right internal carotid artery aneurysm in the region of the cavernous sinus. The patient underwent uneventful repairs of both the abdominal aortic aneurysm and the multiple aneurysms of the right arm. Pathologic evaluation was significant for medial fibrosis of the arterial wall with decreased and disordered elastin fibers. Review of the previously reported cases in children indicate the upper extremity arteries are involved in 92% of patients, the aortoiliac region in 92% of patients, and the renal/mesenteric vessels in 77% of cases. Lower extremity and cerebrovascular arteries are involved to a lesser extent. Children with peripheral aneurysms should have pan-angiography performed before treatment is begun. Surgical repair in these cases has been excellent.