LESION OF THE BRACHIAL-PLEXUS BY TRAUMATIC FALSE ANEURYSM OF THE AXILLARY ARTERY - A REPORT ON 2 CASES

The indirect lesion of the brachial plexus by a traumatic false aneurysm of the axillary artery is a rare event. Clinical signs, diagnosis and follow-up of two patients are reported. Characteristic symptoms are persistent shoulder pain and progredient neurologic deficits with delayed onset. Examination for a jet phenomenon in the axillary region may confirm the suspected diagnosis. Colour duplex-sonography and magnetic resonance tomography are the most valid noninvasive radiological methods beside computerised tomography. Surgical treatment with resection of the aneurysm is recommended as soon as possible.