RUPTURE OF THE DEEP FEMORAL-ARTERY FROM BLUNT TRAUMA

Massive hemorrhage from the deep femoral artery is an uncommon entity in the setting of blunt extremity trauma without femur fracture, A cas e of deep femoral artery injury causing massive hemorrhage treated by angiographic embolization is reported, In this patient, persistent une xplained hypotension warranted angiographic analysis of a pelvic fract ure, Because of a swollen right thigh, the negative pelvic angiogram w as extended to include the lower extremity, confirming the diagnosis o f a ruptured branch of the deep femoral artery, Bleeding was controlle d with embolization that promptly resolved the patient's hemodynamic i nstability, The salient feature in common with previous reported cases of deep femoral artery injury was hemodynamic instability beyond acco untable blood loss, We recommend angiographic analysis with radiologic al and surgical intervention in the setting of thigh swelling without femur fracture and unexplained hypotension, This management strategy w as well tolerated, and the patient received minimal transfusions.