Femoral Neuropathy following Retroperitoneal Hemorrhage: Case Series and Review of the Literature

Annals of Vascular Surgery volume 20, pages536–540(2006)Cite this article

Abstract

Femoral neuropathy due to retroperitoneal hematoma has been infrequently described in the literature. While occasionally due to trauma, it has been most commonly reported in association with various bleeding diatheses and therapeutic anticoagulation. As the indications for the use of anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents increase, associated hemorrhagic complications will likely also increase. The management of retroperitoneal hematoma with consequent femoral nerve palsy remains controversial. We present a series of four cases of femoral nerve palsy due to retroperitoneal hematoma managed by surgical decompression. Hematoma evacuation at the time of the development of femoral neuropathy results in immediate benefit, with greater likelihood of a return to pre-event neurological status. Delays in operative treatment, despite the presence of a neurological deficit, may lead to significant and prolonged neurological dysfunction. Surgical decompression should be highly considered in all patients who develop femoral neuropathy from a retroperitoneal hematoma.

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Author information

Affiliations

  1. Division of Vascular Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA

    Shane S. Parmer MD, Jeffrey P. Carpenter MD, Ronald M. Fairman MD & Omaida C. Velazquez MD

  2. Division of Vascular Surgery, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA

    Marc E. Mitchell MD

  3. Division of Vascular Surgery, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA

    Marc E. Mitchell MD

Authors
  1. Shane S. Parmer MD
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  2. Jeffrey P. Carpenter MD
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  3. Ronald M. Fairman MD
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  4. Omaida C. Velazquez MD
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  5. Marc E. Mitchell MD
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Marc E. Mitchell MD.

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Parmer, S.S., Carpenter, J.P., Fairman, R.M. et al. Femoral Neuropathy following Retroperitoneal Hemorrhage: Case Series and Review of the Literature. Ann Vasc Surg 20, 536–540 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10016-006-9059-2

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Keywords

  • Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
  • Femoral Nerve
  • Inferior Vena Cava Filter
  • Unenhanced Compute Tomographic
  • Retroperitoneal Hematoma