[True aneurysm of the femoral profunda artery]

Aneurysms of arteriosclerotic origin in the profunda femoris artery are rare. Twenty-nine cases were reported in the world literature. In addition two own cases are presented. This total of 31 patients with 34 true aneurysms of the profunda femoris artery is analyzed. The risk of complications such as rupture, thrombosis and embolization amounts to above 50% and seems to be higher than in popliteal or femoral aneurysms. Acute dilatation and rupture occurred in 34.5%. Nearly half of the patients suffered from one or more additional arterial aneurysms. This number emphasizes the need of a complete angiological investigation in patients with aneurysms of the profunda femoris artery. The treatment of choice consists of aneurysm resection and reconstruction by an autologous vein bypass. In selected cases with patent superficial femoral artery, a simple resection may be sufficient.