Pseudoaneurysm of the superficial temporal artery after head-to-head collision between football players: A case report.

BACKGROUND

Superficial temporal artery (STA) pseudoaneurysm is an uncommon sequela of arterial injury due to blunt head trauma. We present a case of post-traumatic pseudoaneurysm of the left STA. Epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical aspects and treatment modalities are also discussed.

CASE DESCRIPTION: An 18-year-old male with a history of a head-to-head collision with another football player presented to the emergency department with a pulsatile mass in the left temporal region. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) confirmed a pseudoaneurysm of the left STA. Compression therapy was chosen as the first-line treatment. Follow-up evaluation revealed no significant improvement. The patient was eligible for surgical excision of the aneurysm sac with ligation of afferent and efferent vessels, which was conducted successfully, with no need for further interventions.

CONCLUSION

This case highlights the importance of including the STA pseudoaneurysm in the differential diagnosis for blunt head injuries in the temporal area. The presence of palpable pulsatility enables primary differentiation. Computed tomography angiography and DSA are accurate diagnostic tools. Certain cases are unresponsive to conservative compression therapy and require surgical interventions. The superficial anatomical location may render embolization less favorable.