Ruptured aneurysm of the deep femoral artery. Case report and historical review.

The exceptional characteristics of the case are put forward and commented on. The patient was a 96-year-old man with an arteriosclerotic aneurysm of the deep femoral artery, which became urgently apparent on bursting. The surgical resolution was simple and satisfactory. Later investigation showed that the aneurysm was unilateral and only in the deep femoral artery. Deep femoral artery continues to be an exceptional location of true arteriosclerotic aneurysms, above all when they arise in an isolated fashion. However, in recent years the available information has changed two substantial aspects: 1) these peripheral aneurysms have the greatest risk of rupture, and 2) on many occasions it is possible, when the superficial femoral artery is permeable, to give simple and satisfactory treatment (exclusion of the aneurysms without revascularization).