Idiopathic true aneurysm of the proximal radial artery with the appearance of an enlarging mass: A case report

Aneurysm of the radial artery is one of the rare cases in the field of vascular surgery, and its diagnosis and management is one of the challenges in this era. Without proper diagnosis and treatment, it may affect the patient's lifestyle and reduce the quality of life because of pain and limitation in activity. Importantly, it may cause limb or life threatening complications including arterial thromboembolism and aneurysm rupture. A 50-year-old woman was presented with a true proximal right radial artery aneurysm with the manifestation of an enlarging mass since 2 years ago, which had gradually become painful. The radiologic investigations revealed the presence of an aneurysm in the proximal radial artery. The patient underwent surgery consisting of ligation of the radial artery proximal and distal to the aneurysm and excision of the aneurysm sac. Pathologic examination confirmed the diagnosis. Any enlarging mass in the pathways of arterial branches can be arterial aneurysm, even if not pulsatile. Prompt physical examination and imaging modalities can help for diagnosis and decision making for either segmental arterial resection or vascular reconstruction. Radial artery aneurysm, as a rare but potentially devastating arterial disease should be in differential diagnosis of any forearm mass and managed promptly. •Radial artery aneurysm is very rare in proximal part of the artery.•Diagnosis of radial artery aneurysm requires a strong clinical suspicion.•Radial artery aneurysms need to be treated because of compressive symptoms and probability of limb ischemia.•When palmar arc is intact, the radial artery aneurysm can be excised and inflow/outflow branches ligated.