[Multiple abdominal venous aneurysms revealed by pulmonary embolism]

Venous aneurysms are rare lesions, they have been reported in most venous territories. Abdominal location is unusual. A 61-year-old man presented with chest pain and dyspnea attributed to pulmonary embolism. Computed tomography of the abdomen showed multiple thrombosed venous aneurysms of the left external iliac vein and the inferior vena cava. There were no signs of rupture. The patient received anticoagulant treatment. He had no surgical treatment.

[A man with abdominal pain and subsequently a periumbilical haematoma]

A 71-year-old male presented with periumbilical ecchymosis formed after acute onset of abdominal pain and near collapse. At the time of presentation the haematoma was the only symptom. Following a CT scan, the diagnosis of a contained rupture of an iliac artery aneurysm was made. The patient was successfully treated with an endovascular stent graft.

The Medusa Multi-Coil Versus Alternative Vascular Plugs for Iliac Artery Aneurysm Embolization (MVP-EMBO) Study

Transcatheter embolization has evolved from the use of autologous clot as the embolic agent, to stainless-steel coils, to braided-nitinol vascular plugs. However, there are disadvantages to platinum and metal coils, including procedural time, radiation exposure, mass effect, risk of distal embolization, recanalization, imaging artifacts, and cost. Therefore, a large vessel-occluding device is needed to mitigate these current disadvantages. The Medusa Multi-Coil (MMC; EndoShape, Inc) is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved embolization device constructed primarily of radioopaque coils with synthetic fibers to promote thrombogenicity, and a unique delivery platform with both proximal and distal attachment to assist with precise placement. We report our experience with the endovascular treatment of internal iliac artery aneurysms using platinum coils vs MMCs.

Initial results of the management of aortoiliac aneurysms with GORE® Excluder® Iliac Branched Endoprosthesis

AIM

We prospectively observed the outcomes of all patients (N.=15) with an aortoiliac and a common iliac artery aneurysm who were electively treated with the GORE® Excluder® Iliac Branched Endoprosthesis (IBE) with regard to clinical, anatomical and radiological results.

METHODS

We evaluated operative mortality, aneurysm rupture rate and aneurysm related mortality as well as conversion to open surgery, incidence of endoleak, rate of aneurysm migration, aneurysm enlargement, graft patency, reintervention rate and the clinical outcome. Postoperative follow-up included a computed tomography angiography (CTA) before discharge, clinical evaluation and Duplex ultrasound or CTA 3 weeks after the intervention and Duplex ultrasound every 3 months afterwards.

RESULTS

Mean patient age was 79 years (range 61-83 years); f/m: 1/2; mean follow-up was 9 months; 80% of the patients presented 2 or more major comorbidities and 1/3 were considered to be not eligible for open repair. Mean hospitalization time was 5 days. Technical success rate was 93.3% (intent-to-treat basis). Mortality within 30 days was 0%; there were no ruptures; type II endoleak directly after the procedure occurred in 20%, dropping to 13.3% after 3 months. We defined the initial technical success in absence of type I endoleaks. The initial technical success rate was 100%. No IBE occlusion or type Ia, Ib or III endoleak was observed during the postoperative follow-up (mean follow-up: 9 months). All of the internal iliac side branches remained patent. Reintervention rate, buttock claudication rate and pelvic complication rate were 0%.

CONCLUSION

The GORE® IBE provides a new and safe alternative for the management of complete endovascular repair of an extensive aortoiliac or common iliac aneurysm while maintaining pelvic blood flow in iliac branched devices. Due to the lower complexity if compared to previous endovascular or hybrid methods, it should be performed in every anatomically suitable case.

Surgical repair of a very large right common iliac artery aneurysm. Case report and literature review

AIM

Concomitant abdominal aortic and common iliac artery aneurysms occur in 40% of cases. However, giant common iliac artery aneurysms were rarely described in the current literature. The aim of the present study is to describe the successful treatment of a giant right common iliac artery aneurysm associated with infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm.

MATERIAL OF STUDY

We present a case of aorto-iliac aneurysm, with giant right common iliac artery aneurysm, responsible of bladder and right psoas muscle compression. Through a midline laparotomy, an aortobisiliac prosthetic repair was performed, associated with prosthetic revascularization of the right internal iliac artery and inferior mesenteric artery.

RESULTS

Postoperative recovery was uncomplicated and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 7 in good health and has remained so up to the most recent 12-month follow-up.

DISCUSSION

Giant common IA aneurysms represent a very rare pathology, more often associated with infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm. After clinical examination, ultrasonography represents the first imaging modality to make diagnosis but CT scan is the gold standard for definitive conclusions, offering accurate anatomical details that are essential to choose the better strategy of treatment. Open surgery represents the gold standard, while endovascular repair has emerged more recently. However results about interventional treatment are not yet described in literature.

U Stent-Graft Technique as a Treatment for Homolateral Metachronous Common Iliac and Internal Iliac Arteries Aneurysms after Open Surgery

We report a case of a metachronous common iliac artery and the internal iliac artery (IIA) aneurysm developed 8 years after an aortobi-femoral bypass for treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysm associated at chronic occlusion of the right iliac axis. To exclude the metachronous aneurysm on the left iliac axis and to maintain the pelvic circulation, an external to IIA endografts were positioned ("U stent-graft technique"). At 6-month follow-up, the computed tomography scan showed patency of the endografts, of the bypass and of the IIA, without endoleak, or other adverse events.

Endovascular management of isolated iliac artery aneurysms

Isolated iliac artery aneuryms are detected increasingly as a result of expanding use of diagnostic imaging, and screening programmes. This present review describes endovascular solutions for the management of isolated iliac artery aneurysms. This was a review of the published literature on endovascular treatment of iliac aneurysms. Most of the papers were case series, and there are no randomized studies. Aneurysms of the common iliac artery are most common, followed by internal, then external iliac aneurysms. Indications for intervention remain unclear, but are generally based on diameter. Endovascular solutions exist for at least half the aneurysms that required treatment, including as an emergency. Often a standard bifurcated solution, as for abdominal aortic aneurysm is indicated, however, there are a number of other novel solutions to deal with variable anatomy. Endovascular treatment of iliac aneurysms is less painful and reduces hospital stay. However, outcome data remain limited, and formal comparison with open surgery is awaited.

Deficiencies with current aortic endografts

Endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) has currently replaced open surgical repair as the primary method for treating aneurysm disease of the abdominal aorta and common iliac artery. Current EVAR devices, despite undergoing multiple improvement iterations, continue to have relatively high secondary intervention rates. Device migration, endoleak and limb occlusion continue to be challenges not completely met by any of the current devices. Investigational devices presently in clinical trials may provide significant resolution for many of the identified endograft deficiencies.

Iliac artery aneurysm repair with preservation of a single ectopic pelvic kidney

An ultrasonographic study in a 60-year-old man incidentally detected an iliac artery aneurysm that gave rise to the renal artery of a single ectopic pelvic kidney. Renal-preservation solution could not be used during surgery, because the unclamped renal vein would have enabled the solution to enter the systemic circulation. Therefore, cold saline solution was infused through the renal ostium, and the kidney was maintained under cold saline immersion. We performed aortoiliac bypass and then implanted the renal artery into the bypass graft. Postoperatively, the patient's serum creatinine level increased; after one year, his renal function was normal. We discuss our use of cold saline solution for renal preservation.

Common iliac and hypogastric aneurysms: open and endovascular repair

Currently, there are a variety of open surgical, endovascular, and hybrid options to treat iliac artery aneurysms (IAA). Anatomy of the common iliac artery (CIA) with regard to proximal and distal neck, involvement of the iliac bifurcation, and choice to preserve the ipsilateral internal iliac artery (IIA) all play a role in the decision process towards the preferred treatment method. This manuscript describes the available open surgical and endovascular techniques for the treatment of IAA. Indications, advantages and limitations, and outcomes of each technique are discussed.

Infective Internal Iliac Artery Aneurysm Caused by Campylobacter fetus

A 67-year-old man with a persistent high fever was diagnosed to have an infective aneurysm in his left internal iliac artery. A blood culture detected a gram-negative spiral rod that was first identified as Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis based on a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) analysis. However, the strain was finally confirmed to be Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus based on a genetic analysis. The infection was successfully treated with emergency resection of the aneurysm, followed by 4 weeks of antibiotic therapy. Involvement of the peripheral artery is uncommon in cases of C. fetus-infective aneurysm. To figure out the epidemiology and pathogenicity of C. fetus infection, the accurate identification of the responsible organisms is essential.

Endovascular management of lap belt-related abdominal aortic injury in a 9-year-old child

Blunt abdominal aortic trauma is a rare occurrence in children with only a few patients having been reported in the literature. Most such cases have been described in the context of lap belt injuries. We report a 9-year-old boy who suffered lap belt trauma to the abdomen during a high-speed road traffic accident resulting to the well-recognized pattern of blunt abdominal injury, that is, the triad of intestinal perforation, fractures of the lumbar spine, and abdominal aortic injury. The latter presented with lower limb ischemia due to dissection of the infrarenal aorta and right common iliac artery. Revascularization was achieved by endovascular means using 2 self-expanding stents in the infrarenal aorta and the right common iliac artery. This case is one of the few reports of lap belt-related acute traumatic abdominal aortic dissection in a young child and highlights the feasibility of endovascular management in the pediatric population.

Prognosis of arterial aneurysm after surgery in patients with Behçet's disease

AIM

Despite improvements in therapeutic modalities, the treatment of arterial aneurysms complicating Behçet's disease (BD) is still challenging. This study examined the long-term prognosis after surgery for arterial aneurysms in BD.

METHODS

This study included 9 patients with BD (8 men and 1 woman) who underwent surgery for arterial aneurysms between 1989 and 2008. The outcomes after the surgical intervention were assessed, including procedure-related complications and survival.

RESULTS

The initial surgical procedures were performed for aortic or iliac aneurysms in 5 patients and for lower-extremity aneurysms in 4 patients. There was no operative mortality. The mean follow-up period was 135±69 months, ranging from 53 to 259 months. Patients with aortic or iliac aneurysms underwent graft interposition with Dacron prostheses. Their postoperative courses were uneventful, and all patients were alive during the follow-up with no procedure-related complications. Those treated for lower-extremity aneurysms tended to show perioperative and postoperative complications, including aneurysmal degeneration of the autogenous vein graft in 2 patients. One patient who initially underwent surgery for a popliteal artery aneurysm died due to the rupture of a dissecting aortic aneurysm after serial surgical interventions for multiple aneurysms. Concomitant aortic or iliac aneurysms in 2 patients were followed up without any change in size under medical treatment using colchicine and corticosteroids.

CONCLUSION

Although we cannot draw a firm conclusion because of the small number of cases in the present series, graft interposition can lead to a favorable prognosis in BD patients with aortic or iliac aneurysms, whereas surgical treatment of BD-related lower-extremity aneurysms is frequently associated with short- and long-term postoperative complications. Immunosuppressive therapy might possibly improve treatment outcomes.

Early experience with the Excluder® iliac branch endoprosthesis

AIM

Dilation of one or both common iliac arteries (CIAs) is a major concern in endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). One option for CIA aneurysm repair is hypogastric embolization followed by endograft extension into the external iliac artery. However, hypogastric occlusion does not always go unpunished and it may lead to ischemic complications. Aim of the paper was to evaluate early results with the Gore® Excluder® Iliac Branch Endoprosthesis (IBE) in the treatment of iliac aneurysms associated or not with abdominal aortic aneurysms.

METHODS

Between November 2013 and April 2014, in our Institution 7 Gore IBE were implanted in 5 patients. Technical success, 30-day mortality and complications were investigated.

RESULTS

Technical success and branch patency was 100%. There was no 30-day mortality. In 1 of the 2 bilateral cases an endovascular relining with bare stents was required due to a compression of iliac legs at level of aortic bifurcation.

CONCLUSION

Use of Gore IBE device in the treatment of aorto-iliac disease is feasible and safe. Late results are necessary to evaluate the performance of this endograft in the long term.

[Aneurysms of the abdominal aorta and iliac arteries: paradigm shift - operative therapy, if possible endovascular?]

BACKGROUND

Therapy of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) is currently based on a high level of evidence. This is not true in the same manner for iliac artery aneurysms (IAA) which are frequently associated with AAAs and occur only rarely as isolated lesions. The therapeutic principles apply in the same way to both aneurysm locations.

OBJECTIVES

New findings, improved perioperative care and the rapid development of minimally invasive techniques require a constant update which is the aim of this article concerning the therapy of AAAs and IAAs.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A systematic literature review was performed in PubMed and Medline and priority was given to recent publications with a high level of evidence.

RESULTS

Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) and open aneurysm repair (OAR) result in a similar long-term survival. The perioperative survival advantage with EVAR persists only during medium-term postoperative courses. The reintervention rate after EVAR is substantially higher compared to OAR. For older patients and those who are considered unfit for OAR the expected benefits from EVAR has not been proven to date. Aneurysmal ruptures after EVAR demonstrate that a life-long surveillance of these patients is necessary.

CONCLUSION

Therapy of AAAs and IAAs is increasingly being performed by EVAR. Even the majority of complex aneurysms are amenable to minimally invasive treatment. Nevertheless, indications for OAR continue to exist. Screening for AAAs results in a decrease of aneurysmal ruptures for which EVAR is also gaining importance.

[Dyspnea on exertion, angina pectoris and loud buzzing in the right groin in an 82-year-old man]

We report on the case of an 82-year-old man who was suffering from chest pain and dyspnea. Acute cardiac ischemia could be excluded. Cardiac catheterization also revealed an aneurysm of the right common iliac artery. In addition, an arteriovenous fistula between the iliac artery and vein was detected by computer tomography angiography. Apparently, these symptoms were caused by a high output heart failure with known coronary heart disease. The patient was treated by implantation of prosthesis and oversewing the fistula which led to full recovery.

[Endovacular treatment of mycotic iliac aneurysm]

No gold standard exists in the treatment of mycotic aorto-iliac aneurysms. Surgical debridement and revascularization with bypass remain as the most definitive surgical solution, but also carry a relatively high risk of perioperative morbidity as compared to an endovascular approach. We present a case story with a mycotic a. iliac aneurysm treated successfully with an endoluminal covered stent graft. The patient had severe co-morbidity that ruled out open surgery.

Multiple aneurysms in a patient with aneurysms-osteoarthritis syndrome

The aneurysms-osteoarthritis syndrome (AOS) was recently described and encompasses multiple aneurysms and tortuosity of the great arteries. Most patients have early-onset osteoarthritis. We report the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of a patient presenting with bilateral aneurysms of the common iliac arteries and an ascending aortic aneurysm. After proper surgical treatment, genetic studies revealed a causal mutation in the SMAD3 gene.

Tuberculous iliac artery aneurysm in a pediatric patient

Vascular complications of tuberculous infections are rare and occur even less frequently in the pediatric population. Tuberculous pseudoaneurysms can occur either as a result of contiguous spread from a neighboring focus-invariably infected lymph nodes-or by hematogenous spread and seeding of acid-fast bacilli that lodge in the adventitia or media via the vasa vasorum. We report a case of turberculous right common iliac artery pseudoaneurysm in a 12-year-old and review the relevant literature.

Endovascular preservation of pelvic circulation with external iliac-to-internal iliac artery "cross-stenting" in patients with aorto-iliac aneurysms: a case report and literature review

Endovascular success depends heavily upon anatomical suitability for secure graft placement. Common iliac artery (CIA) aneurysms frequently extend close to the iliac bifurcation, requiring distal fixation in the external iliac artery (EIA), in turn excluding the internal iliac artery (IIA). The preservation of circulation to at least one IIA artery is highly recommended. We report an endovascular technique for complete preservation of the hypogastric arteries of an aorto-iliac aneurysm extending into the iliac bifurcation and hypogastric artery. A left CIA aneurysm involving the iliac bifurcation was excluded with a covered Fluency stent-graft (Bard Inc., New Jersey, USA) deployed from the EIA into the IIA followed by the internal deployment of a Luminex uncovered stent (Bard Inc.) extended into one branch of the hypograstric artery. IVUS evaluation was essential in determining precise aneurysm and sealing zone measurements. Complete preservation of hypogastric circulation was achieved. The placement of the uncovered stent effectively extended the sealing zones without covering either of the hypogastric distal branches and concurrently corrected the Fluency stent kinking due to severe arterial tortuosity. In CIA aneurysms involving the IIA, an uncovered stent can extend the sealing zones, whilst maintaining complete preservation of pelvic circulation and offers support to the covered stent-graft. IVUS seems necessary for precise neck evaluation.

Infected common iliac artery aneurysm repaired in an infant with cadaveric vein graft

Aneurysms are rare in children. Causes include congenital, traumatic, inflammatory, and infectious etiologies. When and how to best surgically treat arterial aneurysms in a child remain unclear. We present the case of a 3-month-old child with an aneurysm of the left common iliac artery, which was first detected on abdominal ultrasound and was successfully repaired with a cadaveric vein graft.

Isolated iliac artery aneurysm rupture causing lumbar plexopathy

Isolated iliac artery aneurysms (IIAAs) are rare. We present a patient with lumbosacral plexopathy due to common iliac artery aneurysm rupture that presented with left monoplegia.

Spontaneous mycotic external iliac artery aneurysm rupture after perforated acute appendicitis in a renal allograft recipient

Acute appendicitis is uncommon after renal transplant. Infection with Candida albicans can produce serious complications by compromising the vascular anastomosis. In such cases, the origin of Candida albicans is often in the gastrointestinal system. Here, we report 2 uncommon complications that occurred in the same patient. A 27-year-old female renal transplant patient with appendicitis presented to our institution with acute graft failure. The patient was treated with an appendectomy and a transplant nephrectomy. Subsequently, the patient had a mycotic pseudoaneurysm rupture of the external iliac artery secondary to Candida albicans infection that originated possibly in the gastrointestinal system. This complication was further treated with a cross-femoral bypass. The occurrence of these 2 complications together is rare.

A case of rectal obstruction caused by bilateral internal iliac artery aneurysms

In this article, we report a rare case of rectal obstruction caused by bilateral internal iliac artery aneurysms that required open surgical repair. A 73-year-old man was admitted to our hospital complaining of abdominal pain and persistent constipation for >1 month. Computed tomography demonstrated bilateral internal iliac artery aneurysms, 5.0 and 7.0 cm each in diameter, which occupied the intrapelvic space. An urgent surgery was performed to reduce the volume of the aneurysms and release the obstructed rectum. The postoperative course was uneventful, in which he had good evacuation. Aneurysms in the iliac region can be a good indication for the use of newly developed endovascular devices; however, open surgery should be considered without delay to avoid ileus or subileus symptoms when the aneurysms cause space-occupying complications.

Inflammatory aneurysm of the common iliac artery mimicking appendicitis

Isolated inflammatory aneurysm of the common iliac artery is a rare condition. Previously reported cases presented with urologic complications owing to entrapment of the ureter in the perianeurysmal fibrosis. We report a case of a healthy young man who presented with acute abdominal pain in the right lower quadrant without urologic complications mimicking acute appendicitis. The pain was caused by an isolated inflammatory aneurysm of the right common iliac artery measuring 4 cm in diameter. Three years after open aneurysmal resection and graft interposition, the patient is doing well, with excellent peripheral circulation. The available literature on presentation, diagnosis, and treatment is reviewed.

Ruptured iliac aneurysm presenting as lumbosacral plexopathy

Isolated internal iliac aneurysms are rare. Unless rupture occurs, they usually remain asymptomatic. In this paper, a patient with a ruptured internal iliac aneurysm that resulted in chronic stage hematoma causing lumbosacral plexopathy and erosion of the pelvic bony structures is presented, along with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) findings. To expedite the diagnosis of extraspinal radicular pain, one should pay attention to the extraspinal structures involved in lumbar CT or MRI examinations. If necessary, further investigation can be made with pelvic CT or MRI.

Endovascular treatment for para-anastomotic abdominal aortic and iliac aneurysms following aortic surgery

AIM

The aim of this study was to report our experience with endovascular repair of anastomotic aneurysms occurring after graft replacement for abdominal aortic aneurysms or aorto-iliac obstructive disease.

METHODS

Between January 2000 and April 2006, 19 consecutive male patients (median age 73 years) underwent endovascular repair for 22 anastomotic aneurysms [proximal aortic (n=15), iliac (n=4), concomitant aortic and iliac (n=3)], occurring 3 months to 18 years (mean 8.6 years) after open surgery. Three patients (15.7%) underwent emergency treatment for rupture. No patient had symptoms or positive blood tests for infection of the original graft. Twelve patients were treated with a bifurcated stent-graft, 4 patients with a proximal stent-graft cuff, 2 patients with a tube iliac stent-graft, and 1 patient with a mono-iliac stent-graft.

RESULTS

Stent-grafts were successfully deployed in all patients. Procedure-related complications or death were not observed; open conversion was never required. Median hospitalisation was 9 days (range 3-45). During a median follow-up of 16 Euro-months (range, 2-44) all anastomotic aneurysms maintained excluded: 4 patients (21%) died. We observed 1 major complication (5.2%): an iliac branch occlusion occurred 1 month after the procedure, successfully treated with catheter-directed thrombolysis. Overall, survival rates at 6, 12, 18 and 36-months were 92.8%, 84.4%, 72.3%, and 57.8% respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our experience confirms that endovascular stent-grafts can be used successfully to exclude anastomotic aortic aneurysms after open surgery. Endovascular repair seems to be effective at mid-term follow-up.

[Isolated aneurysm of the internal iliac artery and disorders of the pelvic organs functions]

BACKGROUND

Isolated aneurysm of internal iliac artery is very rare and often asymptomatic. Aneurysm itself can produce malfunction of the pelvic organs. Aneurysm rupture is followed by high mortality.

CASE REPORT

A 76-year-old patient was admitted to the hospital with abdominal and left groin pain, disuric problems, obstipation and the signs of intestinal subocclusion. These problems persisted over the last few months. Digitorectal examination showed pulsatile tumor. Computed tomography and angiography revealed isolated aneurysm of the left internal iliac artery with a maximal diametar of 13.5 cm. The aneurysm was treated operatively using extraperitoneal approach in general anestesia. During the operation a Cell Saver was used. The left internal iliac artery was resected and ligated with end-aneurysmatic suture of its branches.

CONCLUSION

Isolated aneurysm of the internal iliac artery should be considered by differential diagnosis in any case of the occurence of disorders of the pervic organs functions. Clinical findings, ultrasound examination, computed tomography and angiography are the diagnostic techniqnes of choice which can confirm the diagnosis. Surgical treatment with the use of retroperitoneal approach lead to complete recovery, so it could be considered the method of choice for patients with the condition permitting a radical surgical approach.

Bilateral Dissection of External Iliac Artery

External iliac artery (EIA) dissection and especially bilateral involvement is very rare. We report the case of a 49-year-old male intense bicyclist who had presented a dissection of the left EIA responsible for claudication. He underwent an iliofemoral vein graft bypass. The histopathologic examination showed a dissection of the EIA with an otherwise normal arterial wall. Two years after he resumed his sporting activity, a dissection of the right EIA occurred with the onset of claudication. The patient underwent a right iliofemoral vein graft bypass. Histopathologic examination showed the same lesions as on the left side. Bilateral involvement of EIA dissection is possible especially when the mechanism leading to dissection is persistent. An attentive follow-up is thus to consider.

Classic and endovascular surgical management of isolated iliac artery aneurysms

AIM

Isolated iliac artery aneurysm is a rare pathology that is often asymptomatic for long periods; this late diagnosis exposes patients to a high risk of death following aneurysm rupture. The aim of this study was to establish the most suitable diagnostic approach, the correct indications for treatment, and the most appropriate tactics and surgical technique.

METHODS

Twenty-eight patients were observed over 13 years. Aneurysmal involvement was unilateral in 22 cases and bilateral in the remaining 6 patients. Preoperative diagnostic tests included eco-colour Doppler (ECD) and angio-CT in all cases, with angio-MR and angiography as more selective procedures. Seventeen patients underwent conventional open surgery with prosthetic replacement of the aneurysmatic tract, 7 patients were treated using endovascular exclusion, and lastly 4 were monitored over time.

RESULTS

There was no perioperative mortality for either treatment. During the postoperative period following conventional open surgery, complications included one case of severe respiratory failure, one microembolism of the lower limb, and 2 periprosthetic hematoma. During the follow-up, we observed one pseudo-aneurysm, 3 cases of retrograde ejaculation and one patient with erectile dysfunction after traditional surgery; there was one minor endoleak after endovascular exclusion.

CONCLUSIONS

Our experience suggests that ECD is a useful method for arriving at an early diagnosis, while angio-CT imaging is essential for a correct preoperative study. Aneurysms with a diameter equal or greater than 3 cm or that present annual increases in excess of 5 mm represent a correct indication for treatment. Conventional open surgery is the treatment of choice for young patients in good general conditions. Endovascular exclusion is indicated when the patient's clinical conditions contraindicate open surgery and the morphology of the aneurysmal arterial district allows the endoprosthesis to be safely implanted.

Ilio-femoral aneurysm masquerading as an inguinal abscess

True isolated atherosclerotic aneurysms of the superficial femoral artery are rare. In this paper, we report a case of ilio-femoral aneurysmatic dilatation masquerading as an inguinal abscess in 40-year-old male. This interesting case was accidentally found during dissection of pelvic vessels, in the Department of Anatomy, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore. After going through the history of the patient . We found that he had the history of swelling in both groins being drained 20 years back, and also the multiple heterosexual exposures. The swelling was pulsatile, tender, and soft to firm in consistency and measured 7x3 cm. All physical signs were suggestive of an abscess and he was treated conservatively by ampicillin, gentamycin, metronidazole, and anti-inflammatory drugs. Fine needle aspiration yielded only frank blood. Subsequently, general condition of the patient deteriorated and died due to hypovolemic shock. Autopsy revealed a ruptured fusiform aneurysm measuring 10x5 cm at the junction of right external iliac with the femoral arteries measuring 3 cm in diameter. This case is an example of difficulties in diagnosing the rare arterial aneurysm, thus leading to misdiagnosis as an inguinal abscess. When only the blood is drawn during fine needle aspiration, one should suspect the swelling as an aneurysmatic dilatation.

[Acute limb ischemia as first symptom by contained ruptured pseudoaneurysm of an undifferentiated high grade pleomorphic sarcoma of the arteria iliaca externa]

Primary malignant vascular tumors represent a rare cause of acute extremity ischemia. Due to unspecific symptoms the correct diagnosis is often delayed and confirmed in many cases as late as post mortem. Differential diagnosis of malignant vascular tumors should be considered in patients with acute ischemia, atypical history and absence of typical risk factors for vascular diseases. The overall prognosis of such tumors is poor. If possible, complete curative resection in combination with arterial reconstruction should be performed. Multimodal therapy has to be considered and discussed in appropriate tumor boards. We report a case of a 70-year-old male patient with acute ischemia and contained rupture of a pseudoaneurysm of the external iliac artery due to an undifferentiated high grade pleomorphic sarcoma. At the time of the primary operation, diffuse skeletal metastases were present but even detected postoperatively during staging. Therefore, no adjuvant or palliative therapy was initiated. In the postoperative course, recurrent non reversible ischemia was present followed by amputation of the right leg. The patient died 5 months after first operation. In the autopsy further metastases of lung and liver were found.

Femoral Neuropathy following Retroperitoneal Hemorrhage: Case Series and Review of the Literature

Femoral neuropathy due to retroperitoneal hematoma has been infrequently described in the literature. While occasionally due to trauma, it has been most commonly reported in association with various bleeding diatheses and therapeutic anticoagulation. As the indications for the use of anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents increase, associated hemorrhagic complications will likely also increase. The management of retroperitoneal hematoma with consequent femoral nerve palsy remains controversial. We present a series of four cases of femoral nerve palsy due to retroperitoneal hematoma managed by surgical decompression. Hematoma evacuation at the time of the development of femoral neuropathy results in immediate benefit, with greater likelihood of a return to pre-event neurological status. Delays in operative treatment, despite the presence of a neurological deficit, may lead to significant and prolonged neurological dysfunction. Surgical decompression should be highly considered in all patients who develop femoral neuropathy from a retroperitoneal hematoma.