Aneurysm of the femoral artery occupationally exposed to a vibratory tool for more than 10 years.

Abstract

The first case of an aneurysm of the femoral artery occupationally exposed to a vibratory tool is described. A 72-year-old man with a right common femoral artery aneurysm had had an occupational history of putting a "breaker," which breaks concrete into pieces by means of powerful vibration, on the right groin for more than 10 years. The patient underwent aneurysmectomy and graft replacement, with reconstruction of the deep femoral artery. Pathologic examination of the resected aneurysm revealed fibrosis and lipid deposition in the intima, well-maintained elastic fibers without disruption in the media, and thickened adventitia, in place of the typical findings of atherosclerosis.