ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Traumatic aneurysms are a rare sequela of nonaccidental head trauma in infants. The rate of nonaccidental trauma (NAT) in the pediatric population is increasing; therefore, traumatic aneurysms are an important consideration in the evaluation of pediatric patients with abusive head trauma. OBSERVATIONS: A 24-day-old infant with no significant past medical or birth history presented with twitching and poor oral intake for 1 day. The patient was found to have bilateral subdural hematomas, multifocal contusions, and traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage. NAT work-up was remarkable for a period of repeated and prolonged abuse. Magnetic resonance angiography revealed a right pericallosal traumatic aneurysm that was treated by means of coil and Onyx embolization. LESSONS: Traumatic intracranial aneurysms are a rare but serious sequela of pediatric abusive trauma. Traumatic intracranial aneurysms should be considered in the setting of intracranial pathology associated with high-energy trauma. Despite new methods for the management of traumatic aneurysms, this pathology remains challenging to identify and treat, and the prognosis remains poor because of the diffuse injury often involved in these patients.
ABSTRACT
Repeated concussion is common among football players; however, these minor blunt head trauma rarely result in serious complications. We report a case of a young college football player who presented acute subdural hematoma, cerebral edema, and seizure due to pseudoaneurysm rupture. The pseudoaneurysm, located at the cortical branch of the middle cerebral artery, was speculated to be formed by dural calcification and adhesion with the underlying brain, possibly due to repeated concussions. Following successful excision of the pseudoaneurysm and control of brain swelling, the patient recovered without sequelae and was discharged after a short while.
ABSTRACT
Repeated concussion is common among football players; however, these minor blunt head trauma rarely result in serious complications. We report a case of a young college football player who presented acute subdural hematoma, cerebral edema, and seizure due to pseudoaneurysm rupture. The pseudoaneurysm, located at the cortical branch of the middle cerebral artery, was speculated to be formed by dural calcification and adhesion with the underlying brain, possibly due to repeated concussions. Following successful excision of the pseudoaneurysm and control of brain swelling, the patient recovered without sequelae and was discharged after a short while.