Outcome after ligation of infected false femoral aneurysms in intravenous drug abusers.
OBJECTIVE
to determine the outcome of a policy of ligation with observation of infected false femoral aneurysms (IFFA) in intravenous drug abusers (IVDA), particularly with respect to the issue of limb preservation.


METHODS
a retrospective study.


METHODS
thirty-seven consecutive cases of IFFA in 34 patients accrued over nine years were studied by case note review and by clinical or telephone interview.


RESULTS
in 34 cases of ligation of primary IFFA there were no amputations, with patients describing claudication only in follow-up. In three cases of second IFFA in the same limb, repeat ligation resulted in two viable limbs with claudication only, and one above-knee amputation. At the nine year follow-up, all patients were still drug-dependent and considered unsuitable for late revascularisation. There were three deaths and all were drug-related.


CONCLUSIONS
in our experience, ligation of IFFA is effective, safe and simple, and is the most appropriate method of dealing with these challenging cases.
Gan
J P
JP
The Peripheral Vascular Unit, The Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, Scotland.
Leiberman
D P
DP
Pollock
J G
JG
D000328:Adult; D000785:Aneurysm, Infected / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005263:Femoral Artery / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007383:Intermittent Claudication / Q000209:etiology; D008026:Ligation; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications*; D016896:Treatment Outcome