Abstract
The term aneurysm is derived from the Greek word aneurysma, meaning “a widening.” In current vascular surgery practice, an aneurysm is defined as a permanent localized dilatation of any vessel, having at least a 50 % increase in diameter compared with the expected normal diameter (Suggested standards for reporting on arterial aneurysms; Johnston et al., J Vasc Surg, 13: 452–458, 1991). Generally, this term is used for arteries as it is more common in them, but it can also be used for veins which are extremely rare presentation. In our case, a middle-aged female presented with complaints of swelling over the right mid-forearm flexor aspect with difficulty in flexing her wrist and paraesthesia over the right index finger and thumb. The patient was examined and diagnosed as a case of cephalic vein aneurysm compressing the median nerve. She underwent surgical resection of the involved segment of the cephalic vein. Venous aneurysm is a rare disorder and till date only few cases have been reported in English literature; however, its possibility should be kept when dealing with a subcutaneous mass in upper limb.
References
Johnston KW, Rutherford RB, Tilson MD, Shah DM, Hollier L, Stanley JC. Suggested standards for reporting on arterial aneurysms. J Vasc Surg. 1991;13:452–8.
McDevitt DT, Lohr JM, Martin KD, Welling RE, Sampson MG. Bilateral popliteal vein aneurysms. Ann Vasc Surg. 1993;7:282–6.
Dahl JR, Freed TA, Burke MF. Popliteal vein aneurysm with recurrent pulmonary thromboemboli. JAMA. 1976;236:2531–2.
Pascarella L, Al-Tuwaijri M, Bergan JJ, et al. Lower extremity superficial venous aneurysms. Ann Vasc Surg. 2005;19:69–73.
Calligaro KD, Ahmad S, Dandora R, et al. Venous aneurysms: surgical indications and review of the literature. Surgery. 1995;117:1–6.
Marquardt G, Angles SM, Leheta FD, et al. Median nerve compression caused by a venous aneurysm: case report. J Neurosurg. 2001;94:624–6.
Herrera LJ, Davis JW, Livesay JJ. Popliteal vein aneurysm presenting as a popliteal mass. Tex Heart Inst J. 2006;33:246–8.
Gillespie DL, Villavicencio JL, Gallagher C, et al. Presentation and management of venous aneurysms. J Vasc Surg. 1997;26:845–52.
Elie K, Thierry C, Myriam C, Pierre J, Jean-Noel F. Radial nerve compression by a large cephalic vein aneurysm: case report. J Vasc Surg. 2003;38:617–9.
Yaylak F, Ozbek O, Toker S, Algin C, Ozveren O, Erbilen E. Multiple basilic vein aneurysms concomitant with multiple hemangiomas of the upper extremity: a case report. Int J Angiol. 2007;16:106–8.
Lev M, Saphir O. Endophlebohypertrophy and phlebosclerosis. I. The popliteal vein. Arch Pathol. 1951;51:154–78.
Koh S, Brown RE, Hollabaugh RS. Venous aneurysm. South Med J. 1984;77:1327–8.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Ethics declarations
Our study was a case report involving a single case. The patient provided a written informed consent regarding publication of personal clinical data and photograph in accordance of guidelines set up by ICMR (1994) and Helsinki Declaration (Modified 1989.
All the possible treatment options were given and none were withheld.
1. The patient was enrolled in the study with her knowledge, and study was done by utilizing known investigatory modalities regarding which proper information was provided to her.
2. The patient was informed about all the major and minor risk factors and remedies thereof.
3. The patient was given the option of quitting from the study during the protocol if she desires. No element of compulsion was exerted.
4. Confidentiality of data due to contributing source or individual was maintained.
5. Written informed consent was obtained from the patient included in this study.
Funding information
Since the study was performed in a government medical college and hospital, there was no funding required for this study.
Conflict of interest
The authors declare that they have no competing interests.
Additional information
Messages
The possibility of venous aneurysm should be kept when dealing with subcutaneous masses in the upper limb. Although usually symptomless, venous aneurysm of the upper limb can present with features of nerve compression.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Naqvi, S.E.H., Haseen, A., Beg, M.H. et al. Median nerve compression by a large cephalic vein aneurysm—a case report. Indian J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 32, 152–155 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12055-016-0416-7
Received:
Revised:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12055-016-0416-7