Axillary artery aneurysm as an occult source of emboli to the upper extremity.

Reported here is a case of axillary artery aneurysm secondary to crutch trauma as a source of emboli to the upper extremity. This patient along with several reported in the literature was initially diagnosed and treated for brachial artery embolism. It is believed that awareness of this entity as a cause of forearm and hand ischemia is important in planning the appropriate surgical therapy.