Ruptured pseudo-aneurysm of a femoral artery in a drug abuser revealed by post-mortem CT angiography

Int J Legal Med. 2013 Jul;127(4):819-23. doi: 10.1007/s00414-012-0803-6. Epub 2012 Dec 12.

Abstract

A 35-year-old drug addict was found dead in a public toilet with a ruptured groin, which was later diagnosed to be a leaking pseudo-aneurysm. Investigation at the scene revealed impressive external hemorrhage related to a groin wound. Post-mortem computed tomography angiography demonstrated an aneurysm of the right femoral artery with leak of contrast liquid. Signs of blood loss were evident at autopsy, and histological examination revealed necrosis and rupture of the pseudo-aneurysm. Toxicological analyses were positive for methadone, cocaine, citalopram, and benzodiazepines. This is the first case report in the literature of a ruptured femoral pseudo-aneurysm with a post-mortem radiological diagnosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aneurysm, False / diagnostic imaging*
  • Aneurysm, False / pathology
  • Female
  • Femoral Artery / diagnostic imaging*
  • Femoral Artery / injuries
  • Femoral Artery / pathology
  • Forensic Pathology
  • Groin
  • Hemorrhage / etiology
  • Humans
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional
  • Rupture / diagnostic imaging
  • Rupture / pathology
  • Substance Abuse, Intravenous / complications*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*