Transcatheter coil embolization of profunda femoris artery branch pseudoaneurysms in two cases

Abstract

Pseudoaneurysms of the profunda femoris artery (PFA) are uncommon, usually caused by a traumatic or iatrogenic injury. Symptoms usually become manifest by pain of sudden onset and swelling in the upper thigh due to hemorrhage. In the past, the treatment of pseudoaneurysms was surgical repair. Recently, transcatheter embolization has been recognized as an alternative treatment. We report on two male patients who presented with a pulsatile mass in the thigh following a femoral shaft fracture and a penetrating injury, respectively. The diagnosis of pseudoaneurysms was made by Doppler ultrasonography and/or angiography. In one patient, the pseudoaneurysm was 3x3 cm in size and originated from one of the perforating branches of the right PFA. In the other, it measured 1.5x1.5 cm and originated from the ascending branch of the lateral femoral circumflex artery of the left PFA. Both patients were successfully treated by selective arterial embolization with platinum coils.