Femoral Neuropathy Following Spontaneous Retroperitoneal Hemorrhage After Cardiac Surgery: A Case Report

A woman underwent ascending aortic aneurysm repair, aortic root and valve replacement, and coronary artery bypass grafting. Her postoperative course was complicated by stroke and status epilepticus. With supportive care and antiepileptics, her neurologic status improved. Intravenous heparin and aspirin were initiated. On postoperative day 13, she developed a large retroperitoneal hematoma with femoral neuropathy. Because her hematoma was not amenable to percutaneous drainage or surgical evacuation, and considering her comorbidities, a conservative approach was elected. Anticoagulation was held but not reversed, and she was transfused. Her impairment resolved fully after 3 days, and anticoagulation was restarted in staggered fashion.