Iatrogenic pseudoaneurysm of the superior thyroid artery.

Aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms of the superior thyroid artery are rare. To date, only five cases have been reported, two of them ruptured [1 – 5]. Four were treated with percutaneous endovascular embolization, and spontaneous thrombosis occurred in one case. [2] The principal causes are related to invasive procedures or trauma to the neck, tracheotomy or biopsy. [3, 5] Clinical diagnosis of the exact cause is often difficult. Imaging studies with duplex sonography, computed tomography angiography (CTA) and angiography can assist in obtaining accurate details on lesion anatomy and type [3]. Because of the high risk of complications, early treatment is recommended. [1, 2]