Open AccessProfuse bleeding from a pseudoaneurysm of the right superior thyroid artery after tracheostomy
Author(s) -
Tanaka Koichi,
Tachibaoto,
Sato Hirokazu,
Uematsu Keigo,
Shiba Yosuke,
Hamami Gen
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
acute medicine and surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2052-8817
DOI - 10.1002/ams2.172
Subject(s) - medicine , pseudoaneurysm , superior thyroid artery , radiology , surgery , angiography , embolization , airway , complication , extravasation , thyroid , artery , immunology
Case A 70‐year‐old man was brought to our hospital emergency department with accidental thermal burns. Surgical tracheostomy was carried out on day 8 after admission, followed by several profuse bleeding episodes from the orifice. Contrast‐enhanced computed tomography of the neck revealed a small nodule with arterial phase enhancement that was suspected to be a pseudoaneurysm. During emergency angiography, the nodule was revealed to be a pseudoaneurysm arising from the right superior thyroid artery with contrast medium extravasation. Outcome The patient underwent transcatheter arterial embolization, which resolved bleeding from the tracheostomy orifice. Conclusion Pseudoaneurysm of the superior thyroid artery is an extremely rare and life‐threatening tracheostomy complication. All clinicians certified to perform tracheostomy should be acquainted with the various complications and methods for managing life‐threatening post‐tracheostomy complications.