Spontaneous bilateral superficial femoral artery pseudoaneurysms and a unilateral posterior tibial artery aneurysm in an immunocompromised patient

Abstract

Key Clinical Message The presence of multiple pseudoaneurysms in a patient should prompt investigations for the underlying etiologies including autoimmune and immunosuppressive disease processes. Treatment options include open repair and endovascular stenting. Abstract Pseudoaneurysms (also known as false aneurysms) are atypical dilatations or outpouchings from a vessel which are not always contained by the three layers of a normal vessel wall, namely the intima, media, and adventitia. These are distinct from a true aneurysm which has a wall comprising all three layers. The underlying etiology for both true aneurysms and pseudoaneurysm can vary. We present the rare case of bilateral superficial femoral artery pseudoaneurysms, of unknown etiology and a concurrent posterior tibial artery saccular aneurysm in a patient with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and multiple comorbidities. This was managed using a combination of endovascular covered stent grafts and open surgical repair technique. The patient is doing well on follow‐up a year later with no post‐operative infections. A literature review of the existing reports of superficial femoral artery pseudoaneurysms and posterior tibial artery aneurysms and their management is also reported.

Keywords

• aneurysm
• endovascular
• immunodeficiency
• pseudoaneurysm
• vascular