K C Chong1, E C Yap, K S Lam, B Y Low. 1. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Changi General Hospital, Singapore. chongkianchun@yahoo.com
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: We describe an alternative presentation of 2 cases of femur fractures with pseudoaneurysms of the profunda femoris artery. CLINICAL PICTURE: In both cases, there is a recurrent triad of: (1) thigh swelling, (2) bleeding from the fasciotomy wound, and (3) anaemia with a falling haemoglobin trend. TREATMENT: Surgical exploration is often not diagnostic or therapeutic. Angiography can accurately diagnose the presence of a pseudoaneurysm and intervention with coil embolisation is effective in arresting further bleeding. OUTCOME: Both cases show good outcome following coil embolisation. CONCLUSION: Recognition of this triad is necessary to ensure early accurate diagnosis so that proper treatment is rendered to prevent further recurrent bleeds.
INTRODUCTION: We describe an alternative presentation of 2 cases of femur fractures with pseudoaneurysms of the profunda femoris artery. CLINICAL PICTURE: In both cases, there is a recurrent triad of: (1) thigh swelling, (2) bleeding from the fasciotomy wound, and (3) anaemia with a falling haemoglobin trend. TREATMENT: Surgical exploration is often not diagnostic or therapeutic. Angiography can accurately diagnose the presence of a pseudoaneurysm and intervention with coil embolisation is effective in arresting further bleeding. OUTCOME: Both cases show good outcome following coil embolisation. CONCLUSION: Recognition of this triad is necessary to ensure early accurate diagnosis so that proper treatment is rendered to prevent further recurrent bleeds.
Authors: Nikolaos Patelis; Andreas Koutsoumpelis; Konstantinos Papoutsis; George Kouvelos; Chrysovalantis Vergadis; Anastasios Mourikis; Sotiris E Georgopoulos Journal: Case Rep Vasc Med Date: 2014-02-05