[Lesion of the brachial plexus caused by traumatic aneurysma spurium of the axillary artery--case report of two patients].

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 non-invasive radiological methods beside computerised tomography. Surgical treatment with resection of the aneurysm is recommended as soon as possible.