Abstract Body (Do not enter title and authors here): Introduction/Background
Transradial cardiac catheterization (TRC) is recommended for patients with acute coronary syndrome over femoral artery catheterization. Randomized controlled trials show TRC has significantly lower rates of bleeding, vascular complications, and mortality in high-risk acute coronary syndrome patients. However, vascular complications like radial artery spasm, occlusion, arteriovenous fistula, perforation, and pseudoaneurysm (PSA) can still occur. Despite TRC's widespread adoption, recent data summarizing radial artery pseudoaneurysm post-TRC is lacking.
Research Question/Hypothesis
This review aims to identify at-risk patients, present a case of catheterization-related radial artery pseudoaneurysm, and provide diagnostic and management insights. We hypothesize that older patients with hypertension are at higher risk and that early detection and management are associated with low complication rates.
Methods/Approach
Systematic searches were conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and CINAHL databases. Two researchers independently selected articles, extracted data, and evaluated study quality on RA PSA post-TRC (2003–2023). A third reviewer resolved conflicts. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tool was used to evaluate bias risk. Additionally, a case report is presented.
Results
From 3,262 records, 43 studies were selected, involving 67 patients (58.8% female, median age 73.5 years). Hypertension (39.5%) and atrial fibrillation (27.9%) were the most common comorbidities. Percutaneous interventions like stenting and angioplasty caused 58.1% of cases; diagnostic catheterizations accounted for 37.2%. Ultrasonography diagnosed 83.7% of cases. Symptoms appeared a few hours to four months post-TRC, with pulsatile mass (21.4%) and swelling (14.3%) being the most common, and pain and ecchymosis at 2.4% each. More than half of the patients (51.2%) required surgical intervention, but 66.7% recovered without deficits. Severe complications were rare, affecting fewer than 5%.
Conclusions
A literature review of 43 articles with 67 patients suggests older female patients with hypertension may be more prone to radial artery pseudoaneurysm post-TRC. It typically presents as a pulsatile, painful swelling detectable by ultrasound. This complication precludes the use of the radial artery as a conduit for coronary artery bypass grafting. The review highlights the importance of vigilant post-catheterization monitoring to enable early detection and treatment.