Fatal bleeding from major femoral vessels: three case reports

Area of Science:

• Vascular Surgery
• Forensic Pathology
• Oncology

Background:

• Femoral vessel erosion is a rare but potentially fatal complication.
• Tumor metastases and abscesses are identified as potential causes.
• Distinguishing iatrogenic or traumatic causes from pathological erosion is critical.

Observation:

• Three unusual cases of fatal bleeding from eroded femoral blood vessels were analyzed.
• Erosion was attributed to tumor metastases in one case and abscess formation in two cases.
• Bleeding originated from the femoral vein in two instances and the femoral artery in one.

Findings:

• The study highlights the infrequent but severe consequences of femoral vessel erosion.
• Pathological processes, specifically tumor invasion and infection-induced abscesses, can lead to vascular compromise.
• The pattern of bleeding (arterial vs. venous) can vary depending on the specific vessel involved.

Implications:

• These findings underscore the importance of considering rare vascular complications in differential diagnoses.
• Accurate medico-legal autopsy is crucial for determining the cause of death, especially when external signs suggest otherwise.
• Understanding these rare presentations can aid clinicians in managing complex cases involving the femoral vasculature.