Profunda femoris artery pseudoaneurysm presenting with triad of thigh swelling, bleeding and anaemia.
BACKGROUND
We describe an alternative presentation of 2 cases of femur fractures with pseudoaneurysms of the profunda femoris artery.


METHODS
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.


METHODS
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.


RESULTS
Both cases show good outcome following coil embolisation.


CONCLUSIONS
Recognition of this triad is necessary to ensure early accurate diagnosis so that proper treatment is rendered to prevent further recurrent bleeds.
Chong
K C
KC
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Changi General Hospital, Singapore. chongkianchun@yahoo.com
Yap
E C
EC
Lam
K S
KS
Low
B Y
BY
D000328:Adult; D000740:Anemia / Q000209:etiology*; D017541:Aneurysm, False / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D004487:Edema / Q000209:etiology*; D000071938:Fasciotomy; D005263:Femoral Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005264:Femoral Fractures / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019106:Postoperative Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology*; D011859:Radiography; D013848:Thigh / Q000473:pathology