Objective: Due to a relatively small number of dedicated vascular ultrasonographers in Australia, examination of vascular diseases is often challenging. We present two unique vascular cases, which may provide educational values to fellow vascular sonographers.
Results/Conclusions:
Case 1: Traumatic pseudoaneurysm of the superficial temporal artery (STA)
Aneurysms/pseudoaneurysms of the STA are rare with only 327 cases reported between 1644 and 19981-2. History and physical examination makes the diagnosis relatively easy despite its infrequent occurrences, although diagnostic testing sometimes is required to confirm differential diagnosis. A 36-year-old male boxer presented with a pulsatile mass at the left temporal region after a non-boxing-related head injury. Duplex ultrasound examination confirmed the diagnosis of traumatic pseudoaneurysm of the STA with the pseudoaneurysm partially thrombosed. While blunt trauma is the main cause of this condition, it is not clear if boxers suffer from a higher incidence.
Case 2: Unusual presentation of varicosities involving the abdomen and the entire right leg
Varicose veins are superficial veins, which become dilated due to incompetent valves and increased venous pressure. Varicose veins in the lower extremities are common but usually do not involve the lateral aspect of the entire leg. A 34-year-old 5-time pregnant mother complained of right leg pains. Duplex ultrasound examination found an unusual presentation of varicosities originating from the level of the right ankle to the abdomen. The abdominal varicosities remain extensive after postpartum. Although the cause of the extensive varicosities is unclear, frequent pregnancies in this case may have precipitated the condition.