Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 30, 2026
07:39
Use of a Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Device/Left Atrium to Femoral Artery Bypass System for Cardiogenic Shock
Published on: August 16, 2021
Femoral artery pseudoaneurysm and sudden death
Chong Zhou1, Neil E Langlois, Roger W Byard
1Discipline of Pathology, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
Journal of Forensic Sciences
|August 11, 2011
Summary
Sudden death from a ruptured aortobifemoral bypass graft pseudoaneurysm highlights risks in elderly patients. Early detection and treatment are crucial for preventing fatal hemorrhage, especially in isolated or cognitively impaired individuals.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Geriatric Medicine
- Pathology
Background:
- Pseudoaneurysms are a potential late complication following vascular grafting procedures.
- Aortobifemoral bypass grafts are commonly used for peripheral artery disease.
- The elderly population presents unique challenges in managing surgical complications.
Observation:
- A case report details the sudden death of an 83-year-old woman due to a ruptured aortobifemoral bypass graft pseudoaneurysm.
- The pseudoaneurysm had eroded through the skin and subcutaneous tissues, leading to spontaneous hemorrhage.
- Factors such as social isolation and cognitive impairment may delay diagnosis and treatment in older adults.
Findings:
- Rupture can occur even in non-enlarged pseudoaneurysms.
- Elderly patients are at higher risk of severe morbidity and mortality due to comorbidities and anticoagulant use.
- Rarer causes of pseudoaneurysms include tumors, vasculitis, and infections.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of vigilant monitoring for pseudoaneurysms in patients with vascular grafts, particularly the elderly.
- Prompt diagnosis and intervention are critical to prevent catastrophic hemorrhage.
- Consideration of infectious etiologies and appropriate microbiological sampling are essential in suspected cases.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Aneurysm I: Introduction
An aortic aneurysm is a localized outpouching or dilation at a weak point in the artery wall. It may involve different parts of the aorta, such as the abdominal aorta, aortic arch, or thoracic aorta.Etiological factorsSeveral disorders are associated with aortic aneurysms.Congenital causes, such as primary connective tissue disorders like Marfan syndrome, impact the integrity and strength of connective tissues, notably affecting the aorta. Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder that specifically...
01:21Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Thoracic, aortic arch and abdominal aneurysms are significant vascular conditions that can present with various clinical manifestations and lead to serious complications. Understanding these manifestations and the appropriate diagnostic studies is essential for effective management and treatment.Thoracic Aortic AneurysmsThoracic aortic aneurysms often remain asymptomatic until they reach a size that impinges on adjacent structures. They typically cause deep, diffuse chest pain that radiates to...
01:20Arteries of Lower Limbs
The external iliac artery transitions out of the body cavity, entering the femoral region of the lower leg, and is renamed the femoral artery at the point where it traverses the body wall. This artery is responsible for the distribution of blood to the thigh's deep muscles and the skin's ventral and lateral regions, achieved through several minor branches and the lateral deep femoral artery, which also spawns a lateral circumflex artery. The knee area receives blood from the genicular artery,...
01:30Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) predominantly results from atherosclerosis, which involves the accumulation of fatty deposits, or plaques, within the walls of arteries. This causes them to narrow and harden, significantly reducing blood flow. PAD predominantly affects the legs, particularly the arteries supplying the thighs and calves. In rare cases, it may involve other arteries, including those in the arms.Etiology of PAD:The principal cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, which results from fatty...
01:21Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation
Clinical manifestationsPeripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) manifests through a range of symptoms, from the characteristic intermittent claudication to atypical presentations and severe complications in advanced stages. Intermittent claudication, a hallmark symptom of PAD, presents as exercise-induced muscle pain that typically resolves within minutes of rest. This pain is reproducible and stems from inadequate blood flow, leading to the accumulation of lactic acid produced during anaerobic...
01:26Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care
Aneurysm management involves either conservative medical therapy or surgical intervention, depending on the size and symptoms of the aneurysm. Conservative management is generally reserved for smaller, asymptomatic aneurysms, while larger or symptomatic aneurysms often necessitate surgical repair.Conservative Medical TherapyFor small, asymptomatic aneurysms, particularly abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) less than 5.5 centimeters in diameter, conservative medical therapy is recommended. This...