Segmental Disruption of the Internal Elastic Lamina as a Potential Pathogenetic Mechanism of a True Posttraumatic Femoral Artery Aneurysm, Years After Single Blunt Trauma

We present an unusual case of a true posttraumatic aneurysm of the superficial femoral artery (SFAA) 7 years after a motorcycle accident including blunt trauma to the thigh. Surgical reconstruction was accomplished without any complications by aneurysm resection and interposition of an autologous reversed saphenous vein. Histopathological examination revealed a true aneurysm with segmental disruption and fragmentation of the internal elastic lamina (IEL) in van Gieson's stain. This is a first-time finding in context with SFAA and may represent the pathogenetic explanation for the rare formation of posttraumatic true aneurysms.