Publication:

A rare case of submassive pulmonary embolism after spontaneous rupture of superficial femoral artery pseudoaneurysm

Spontaneous rupture of a superficial femoral artery (SFA) pseudoaneurysm without prior trauma or intervention is exceedingly rare. This report includes a 45-year-old man with morbid obesity (BMI 38) who presented with acute left lower extremity pain and swelling after experiencing a “pop” in his posteromedial thigh while bending. Imaging revealed a ruptured distal SFA branch pseudoaneurysm with a large hematoma, successfully treated with thrombin injection. On postoperative day one, he developed bilateral pulmonary emboli with right heart strain, progressing to submassive pulmonary embolism by day three. This case highlights hematoma-induced venous compression as a potential mechanism for venous thromboembolism.