MRSA infected pseudoaneurysms of the radial artery.

The use of radial artery catheters for real-time blood pressure monitoring and arterial blood gas sampling has become commonplace in both intensive care and high dependency units. Although this procedure is relatively safe, it can be complicated by local infection leading to pseudoaneurysm formation. In this report we describe three cases of pseudoaneurysm formation following prolonged radial catheter placement, with evidence of local methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection. With the growing problem of in-hospital MRSA colonisation, the report aims to emphasize the need for vigilance for this complication and reinforce the importance of careful asepsis. In all cases the pseudoaneurysms were successfully treated with local ligation of the radial artery, without subsequent ischaemic complications. Allen's test was performed to ensure sufficient collateral circulation prior to surgery.