Treatment of femoral pseudoaneurysms. Percutaneous US-guided thrombin injection versus US-guided compression.
OBJECTIVE
Thrombin injection in femoral pseudoaneurysms has been suggested to be superior to traditional US-guided compression. Our aim was to evaluate results with compression therapy with special reference to use of thrombin in case of failure. We also studied 7 patients who underwent primary thrombin injection.


METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed all (n=44) femoral artery pseudoaneurysms diagnosed at our department during October 1998-May 1999. US-guided compression with the Femostop device or US-guided thrombin injection (100-1000 IU) was the first choice according to the physicians' preference, followed by the other regime if the first choice was non-successful.


RESULTS
Thirty-nine (89%) of the patients received anticoagulation treatment and/or concomitant antiplatelet drugs. Out of the 44 patients, 37 were treated with compression as the first choice. This regime was successful in 22 (59%). This group included 2 lesions that resolved spontaneously after initially failed compression and 1 deep venous thrombosis after treatment. The persistent 15 pseudoaneurysms after failed compression received thrombin injection, and it was also the primary therapy in 7 patients. Complete thrombosis within the pseudoaneurysm was immediately induced after treatment. One early recurrence required a second injection. No complication of thrombin was noted and no surgery was required.


CONCLUSIONS
US-guided thrombin injection is an effective treatment for embolisation of pseudoaneurysms. The technique is superior to compression therapy.
Lönn
L
L
Departments of Diagnostic Radiology, Cardiology and Vascular Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden.
Olmarker
A
A
Geterud
K
K
Klingenstierna
H
H
Delle
M
M
Grip
L
L
Risberg
B
B
D000368:Aged; D017541:Aneurysm, False / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic; D005260:Female; D005263:Femoral Artery; D006490:Hemostatics / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011312:Pressure; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013917:Thrombin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D014463:Ultrasonography
D006490:Hemostatics; D013917:Thrombin