Septic false aneurysms. Report of three cases

Three cases of septic false aneurysms are reported. They appeared as palpable pulsating masses shortly after severe septic episodes and were diagnosed by angiography. Two aneurysms were located in the common iliac artery and one in the superficial femoral artery. Operation was performed under antibiotic coverage and included ligation of the artery and excision of the aneurysm. Immediate reconstruction was performed in one case, in the two remaining, such reconstruction was abstained from since intraoperative ankle pressures were judged adequate. In one case reconstruction was performed later to relieve claudication. All patients survived with functioning extremities.