Deep Femoral Artery Aneurysm: Report of a Case

Abstract

Aneurysms involving the deep femoral artery, otherwise known as the profunda femoris artery (PFA), are extremely rare. Rarer still are bilateral PFA aneurysms (PFAAs). The diagnosis is difficult, but it may be suggested by the presence of a pulsatile tumor in the region of the femoral artery or by symptoms resulting from complications such as rupture or thromboembolism. A high index of suspicion is essential to diagnose them because they may present atypically. Surgery remains the treatment of choice and should be carried out electively for asymptomatic aneurysms. Surgery in an emergency situation can be challenging, especially when it involves vascular reconstruction as dictated by the peripheral vascular circulation.

A case of deep femoral artery aneurysm

“…They are often found accidentally or after their enlargement, when symptoms include pulsating groin swelling, paralysis or pain in the leg, which were the symptoms that our patient experienced. Enlarged DFA aneurysms must be treated because of the high risk of rupture, which may cause severe complications, including hemorrhagic shock, ischemia of the foot, thigh embolization, thrombophlebitis and sciatic or femoral neuropraxia [ 1 , 5 , 9 , 10 ].…”

Synchronous spontaneous arteriovenous fistula and aneurysm of the deep femoral artery incidentally found in a patient with aortic aneurysmal dissection

“…2 Our search of the literature found only 57 reported cases. 3 As many as 20%-45% of patients with DFA aneurysms may harbor coexisting aneurysms of the abdominal aorta, popliteal artery, common femoral artery, or bilateral synchronous DFA. 3,4 These aneurysms are very rare, probably because the artery is located in the muscular tunnel formed by the adductor magnus; this prevents the formation of aneurysmal dilatation.…”

“…3 As many as 20%-45% of patients with DFA aneurysms may harbor coexisting aneurysms of the abdominal aorta, popliteal artery, common femoral artery, or bilateral synchronous DFA. 3,4 These aneurysms are very rare, probably because the artery is located in the muscular tunnel formed by the adductor magnus; this prevents the formation of aneurysmal dilatation. 5 AVF develops as a complication of penetrating trauma in both civilian and military populations, 1 and iatrogenic AVF as a consequence of arterial puncture have been reported.…”

“…7 The common clinical presentation after aneurysm rupture is a rapidly enlarging, pulsating swelling of the groin. 3 Other presentations include ischemia of the foot, thigh embolization, 3 thrombophlebitis, 7 and sciatic or femoral neuropraxia. 9 To avoid their rupture, DFA aneurysms require surgical treatment.…”

Aneurysma der A. profunda femoris – Eine systematische Literaturanalyse

“…Diese Empfehlung ist allerdings eingeschränkt durch die Tatsache eines Publikationsbias, der postuliert werden muss, da hauptsächlich symptomatische AAPF publiziert und damit wahrscheinlich in der Literatur häufiger als asymptomatische AAPF berichtet wurden. Für die Aneurysmaausschaltung wurde vor allem die konventionelle Resektion, abhängig von der peripheren Gefäßsituation, mit oder ohne Revaskularisation angewandt [14,16,36]. Eine Ausschaltung des AAPF ohne Revaskularisation ist unter der Voraussetzung möglich, dass keine kritische Ischämie in der Folge entsteht.…”