Infected false femoral artery aneurysms secondary to monitoring catheters.

Six patients who developed infected false femoral artery aneurysms secondary to monitoring catheters are reported. All aneurysms were infected and resulted in systemic sepsis. Initially the origin of the sepsis was not obvious. Findings which suggest this lesion include staphylococci. Appearance of distal petechial hemorrhages should lend a strong suspicion to the possibility of the lesion. Appearance of the pulsatile groin mass completes the diagnosis. Only aneurysmal resection combined with appropriate antimicrobial therapy is curative. For necessary revascularization procedures, autogenous vein grafts should be used when available.