Retroperitoneal haemorrhage: a dangerous complication of common femoral arterial puncture.

Three cases of retroperitoneal haemorrhage resulting from femoral artery catheterizations are reported. The blood tracked up the femoral sheath and was not accompanied by local clinical signs. Two of the patients died. A high index of suspicion, and an early recourse to ultrasound examination and surgical intervention, might have saved the lives of those patients who died.