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

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.