Traumatic Pseudoaneurysm Following Blunt Trauma

Traumatic aneurysms of the superficial femoral (SFA) and superior medial geniculate artery (SMGA) demonstrated late expansion of previously well contained hematomas which were pulsatile and remarkable for the presence of bruits. Injury to the SFA resulted in a cool, pulseless distal extremity. Direct exploration of the pseudoaneurysm cavity following proximal and distal control of the main arterial segment resulted in optimal exposure and successful repair of the arterial defect. Blunt trauma may result in pseudoaneurysm formation. Persistent swelling at a focus of injury despite normal distal pulsation is an early indicator of major vascular injury.