Femoral nerve palsy secondary to anticoagulant induced iliacus hematoma. A case report

Int Angiol. 1990 Apr-Jun;9(2):125-6.

Abstract

A case of femoral neuropathy from iliac muscle hematoma occurring in a patient treated with urokinase, subcutaneous heparin and aspirin for myocardial infarction is reported. Diagnosis of this complication was suspected on the basis of clinical signs and on the fact that the patient had received anticoagulants. Computed tomography allowed direct and clear visualization of the hematoma. Anticoagulant suspension followed by an early surgical decompression seems to be the ideal treatment for this neuropathy; however, our patient died for a reinfarction after stopping heparinic administration. This may indicate that, in some patients "at risk", it is better to reduce rather than stop anticoagulant therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Femoral Nerve*
  • Hematoma / chemically induced*
  • Hematoma / complications
  • Heparin / adverse effects
  • Heparin / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Muscular Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Muscular Diseases / complications
  • Myocardial Infarction / drug therapy
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / etiology
  • Thrombolytic Therapy / adverse effects*
  • Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator / adverse effects
  • Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Heparin
  • Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator