Profunda femoris artery pseudoaneurysm presenting with triad of thigh swelling, bleeding and anaemia

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.