von Willebrand Disease Associated with Superficial Temporal Artery Pseudoaneurysm

Abstract

We report on two patients with von Willebrand disease (vWD) that presented with superficial temporal artery pseudoaneurysms following minor blunt trauma. We discuss the possible pathophysiological link between vWD and blood vessel abnormalities. The cases highlight the importance of considering the diagnosis of vWD in patients presenting with pseudoaneurysm.

Secondary postpartum hemorrhage due to uterine artery pseudoaneurysm rupture in von Willebrand disease

“…A bleeding disorder may be the predisposing factor in the pathogenesis of pseudoaneurysm formation, 5–8 and is also a well‐known cause of PPH. Nevertheless, a possible underlying bleeding disorder has never been described in UAP‐induced PPH.…”

“…The UAP is mostly associated with cesarean section, 2 but a few cases occur following even an uncomplicated vaginal delivery 3,4 . Although no report has described possible involvement of bleeding disorders in the pathogenesis of UAP, pseudoaneurysm at other sites (supraorbital, superior gluteal, hepatic, superficial temporal arteries) has been previously reported in von Willebrand disease (VWD) 5–8 . VWD is a hereditary bleeding disorder that arises from a quantitative or qualitative defect of von Willebrand factor (VWF).…”

“…3,4 Although no report has described possible involvement of bleeding disorders in the pathogenesis of UAP, pseudoaneurysm at other sites (supraorbital, superior gluteal, hepatic, superficial temporal arteries) has been previously reported in von Willebrand disease (VWD). [5][6][7][8] VWD is a hereditary bleeding disor-der that arises from a quantitative or qualitative defect of von Willebrand factor (VWF). VWF is a plasma multimeric glycoprotein that promotes platelet adhesion to the subendothelial matrix at the site of vascular injury and also binds and stabilizes blood clotting factor VIII in the circulation.…”

Treatment of temporal artery pseudoaneurysms

“…4,10 A bleeding disorder, von Willebrand disease, has been associated with a higher incidence of pseudoaneurysms. 11 Diagnosis STAP can be diagnosed based on medical history and physical examination alone. However, it is advised to confirm the diagnosis and to exclude other conditions, which can mimic an STAP, for example a vascular tumor, arteriovenous malformation or a meningeal aneurysm.…”

Giant traumatic pseudoaneurysm of the superficial temporal artery: Treatment challenges and case review

“…3 In cases of coagulation abnormalities there may be no particular history of trauma. 6,7 The anterior branch of the Superficial temporal artery (STA) tends to be more vulnerable. It presents as a pulsatile lesion with a bruit.…”