Giant Pseudoaneurysm as an Uncommon Late Complication Following a Fourteen-Year Femoropopliteal Bypass in a Visually Impaired Patient

Read full text
Authors: Emil-Marian Arbănaşi, Cristian Trâmbițaș, Constantin Claudiu Ciucanu, Réka Bartus, Eliza Mihaela Arbănași, Paul Mateica, Timea Madaras, Marius Mihai Harpa, Adrian Vasile Mureșan, Eliza Russu
Cited by: 0
References: 34

Abstract

Background: Non-anastomotic pseudoaneurysm formation due to very late prosthetic graft failure after femoropopliteal bypass is exceptionally rare. Case Presentation: We describe a 73-year-old blind man who presented with rapid enlargement of a mid-thigh mass on the left side, associated with skin necrosis. His history included advanced atherosclerosis with bilateral superficial femoral artery occlusion and prior femoropopliteal bypasses: a right-sided great saphenous vein graft (2006) and a left-sided Dacron® graft (2008). Computed tomography angiography revealed a giant pseudoaneurysm originating from the mid-portion of the left bypass graft (13.8 × 16.5 cm) with active contrast extravasation and distal popliteal artery occlusion, as well as a large, well-defined lateral thigh lipoma. Open surgery revealed structural graft disruption within the prosthetic body and a large chronic pseudoaneurysm sac containing organized thrombus. En bloc pseudoaneurysm excision and graft exclusion without reconstruction were performed, followed by soft-tissue reconstruction. The postoperative course was uneventful, with complete wound healing by four weeks and no ischemic symptoms during 18 months of follow-up. This exceptionally late prosthetic graft complication underscores the need for long-term surveillance in patients with lower-limb bypass grafts. Conclusions: This case highlights that prosthetic graft failure may occur very late and present insidiously. Recognition of this rare complication is essential for timely diagnosis and individualized surgical management.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Peripheral Artery Disease Management Vascular Procedures and Complications Infectious Aortic and Vascular Conditions

Publication details

Journal / source
Diagnostics
Volume
16
Issue
5
Pages
686–686
Publication date
26 February 2026
Language
EN