# Management and Follow-Up of a Traumatic Vertebral Artery Pseudoaneurysm: A Case Report on Pipeline Embolization and Recovery

## TL;DR

A 69-year-old man developed a traumatic vertebral artery pseudoaneurysm after a fall and was successfully treated with pipeline embolization, highlighting the use of endovascular techniques in rare cases.

## Contribution

The paper presents a novel case of pipeline embolization for a traumatic vertebral artery pseudoaneurysm with detailed follow-up and recovery insights.

## Key findings

- Pipeline embolization successfully managed a post-traumatic vertebral artery pseudoaneurysm.
- The patient showed recovery with ongoing rehabilitation and monitoring.
- The case highlights the diagnostic complexity and limited management guidelines for such pseudoaneurysms.

## Abstract

Pseudoaneurysms can present as a rare but important mimicry of radiculopathy, particularly in cases of progressive symptoms where there is no obvious spinal pathology. This report details the case of a 69-year-old male who developed a post-traumatic left vertebral artery pseudoaneurysm following a low-energy fall, which led to intensifying neck pain and significant left arm weakness. The large vertebral artery pseudoaneurysm was successfully managed using pipeline embolization, and the patient’s subsequent recovery is outlined, including the operative approach, post-operative progress, and follow-up care. The follow-up focused on the patient’s rehabilitation efforts, ongoing imaging results, and continuous monitoring for any complications. This case underscores the complexity of diagnosing traumatic vertebral artery pseudoaneurysms, particularly given the absence of comprehensive guidelines for their management and the often misleading presentation. The innovative use of pipeline embolization in this case, along with the patient's ongoing rehabilitation, highlights the potential of endovascular techniques in the treatment of such conditions and contributes valuable insight to the limited literature on vertebral artery pseudoaneurysms.