Isolated Superficial Femoral Artery Aneurysm: A Case Study

Abstract

Introduction

Isolated aneurysms of the superficial femoral artery (SFA) are rare, and their etiology is not yet fully understood. Although not as common as abdominal aortic or popliteal artery aneurysms, they pose a serious threat of rupture and/or thrombosis. Because of their atypical presentation, they can be easily misdiagnosed.

Methods

A 58-year-old man presented with a painful lump over his left medial thigh, first noted 6 months previously. The patient was asymptomatic in regards to claudication. The findings of magnetic resonance imaging suggested a vascular mass versus pseudoaneurysm of the SFA. The patient was referred to the vascular laboratory and underwent duplex evaluation. This revealed an 8.3–cm long SFA aneurysm with a maximum diameter of 5.9 cm with extensive mural thrombus present. Angiography confirmed a true aneurysm, with an estimated length of 5 cm and luminal diameter of 2.5 cm.

Result

The patient underwent open aneurysmorrhaphy with a femoral to popliteal reverse saphenous vein bypass graft. Upon direct visualization, the aneurysm was estimated to measure 8 cm length and 6 cm in diameter. The patient recovered without incident and has normal ankle brachial indices.

Conclusion

True isolated aneurysms in the SFA are rare, and the exact cause is not yet known. Proper diagnosis and identification are crucial to patient outcome. In our case, duplex ultrasound yielded a more accurate measurement of the true aneurysm size when compared with the angiogram. This is attributable to the angiogram measuring the flow channel of the residual lumen while not visualizing the thrombus filled sac. Endovascular stent grafts or open repair with bypass grafts (vein or prosthetic) are the accepted methods of treatment with good patient outcome. Allowed to progress untreated, these aneurysms often rupture or thrombose, which can ultimately lead to limb loss. Because of the increased incidence of aneurysmal disease elsewhere in the body, these patients should undergo additional screening.