Surgical resection of a large posttraumatic middle meningeal artery pseudoaneurysm with associated epidural hematoma

BACKGROUND: Middle meningeal artery (MMA) pseudoaneurysms are rare but can occur secondary to trauma with an associated skull fracture and can present with a variety of hemorrhage patterns. Epidural, subdural, subarachnoid, and intraparenchymal hematomas have all been reported. Given the wide range of clinical presentations and radiographic findings, multiple treatment strategies have been employed, including surgical removal, endovascular intervention, and conservative treatment. MMA pseudoaneurysms typically range from 2 to 5 mm in size and have been shown to have unpredictable growth patterns. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 54-year-old male identifying as a Jehovah’s Witness presented after a fall and was found to have an epidural hematoma with an accompanying temporal bone fracture. Imaging demonstrated a traumatic pseudoaneurysm of the MMA. Given the patient’s religious preferences, the emphasis was made during surgical planning for the minimization of blood loss. The epidural hematoma was evacuated, and the MMA pseudoaneurysm was directly visualized and surgically excised after ligation of its tributaries. The patient tolerated the procedure well without significant blood loss and made a complete neurological recovery. CONCLUSION: A well-circumscribed hypodensity on CT within a surrounding hyperintense collection should raise suspicion of MMA pseudoaneurysm in the setting of overlying temporal bone fracture as supported by previous imaging findings of large MMA pseudoaneurysms. The early detection of MMA pseudoaneurysm is imperative, as the presence may dictate more urgent intervention and changes in operative technique. Although not much is known about the nature and progression of these lesions, surgical excision has remained a safe, reliable method of treatment.