Open AccessThe 'pulsatile' sebaceous cyst: beware of a superficial temporal artery aneurysm
Author(s) -
Sadaf Gull,
Ayman Badawy,
Arindam Chaudhuri
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
bmj case reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.231
H-Index - 26
ISSN - 1757-790X
DOI - 10.1136/bcr.03.2009.1698
Subject(s) - medicine , pulsatile flow , superficial temporal artery , aneurysm , radiology , differential diagnosis , abscess , surgery , middle cerebral artery , cardiology , pathology , ischemia
True aneurysms of the superficial temporal artery (STA) are quite uncommon. Only 14 such cases are described in the literature. Ultrasound scan (USS) is an appropriate and easily accessible non-invasive diagnostic modality, as it can show both the anatomical and flow characteristics of the aneurysmal vessel. Other conditions to be included in the differential diagnosis are haematoma, angiofibroma, eroding middle meningeal artery aneurysm, abscess or a parotid mass. Operative intervention is indicated to relieve symptoms as in this case, and to prevent rupture.