# Delayed Presentation of Subclavian Artery Pseudoaneurysm Following Blunt Thoracic Trauma: A Case Report

## TL;DR

A rare case of a subclavian artery pseudoaneurysm, appearing weeks after a motorcycle accident, highlights the importance of early diagnosis and the role of ultrasound in detection.

## Contribution

This case report adds to the limited literature on delayed subclavian artery pseudoaneurysms following blunt trauma and emphasizes the diagnostic value of point-of-care ultrasound.

## Key findings

- Subclavian artery pseudoaneurysm was diagnosed five weeks after initial trauma using point-of-care ultrasound.
- The patient experienced persistent neurological deficits despite endovascular stenting.
- The case highlights the need for high clinical suspicion in diagnosing delayed pseudoaneurysms.

## Abstract

Subclavian artery pseudoaneurysms are a rare complication of blunt thoracic trauma with high mortality and incidence of long-term disability.

We describe a 49-year-old female who suffered a midshaft clavicle fracture after a motorcycle collision who presented five weeks later with right arm weakness, paresthesias, and persistent clavicle pain and swelling. She was diagnosed with a subclavian artery pseudoaneurysm on point-of-care ultrasound performed in the emergency department, which was confirmed with computed tomography angiography. She underwent endovascular stenting but continued to suffer from long-term neurologic deficits related to her condition.

This case underscores that the diagnosis of subclavian artery pseudoaneurysm requires a high index of suspicion. In addition, the case also highlights the utility of point-of-care ultrasound as a modality that can assist in arriving at the diagnosis.