Superficial femoral artery degenerative aneurysms: A literature review and report of 15 additional cases

Aim. The aim of the study was to review the mode of presentation, diagnosis, association with other aneurysms, operative management and outcomes of superficial femoral artery aneurysms. Methods. Records of patients with superficial femoral artery aneurysm seen at our institution from 1995 to 2009 were retrospectively reviewed (15 cases identified). A review of available literature was also performed (79 cases identified). Results. Hundred percent of the 15 patients were men. Eleven had associated aneurysms. Five presented with distal ischemia, four with a thigh mass and localized pain, three with rupture, one with lower limb edema and five were asymptomatic. We treated these aneurysms with several techniques with a good outcome. Two patients underwent amputation. All patients survived surgery. Conclusion. Superficial femoral artery aneurysms tend to be large and symptomatic (with rupture or ischemia) at presentation. They preferentially affect elderly men and are often associated with aneurysms elsewhere. CT angiography allows to calculate the real diameter of the aneurysm, and helps in the choice of the treatment. Aneurismectomy and reconstruction with a prosthetic graft is the most performed treatment; endovascular repair is a valid alternative choice. Superficial femoral artery aneurysm repair is usually associated with a good outcome.