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Ulster Med J. 2008 September; 77(3): 203–204.
PMCID: PMC2604479
Femoral artery necrosis due to parenteral intravascular drug misuse: A case report and literature review
Michael J Mullan, Hanna Magowan, and Colin D Weir
Department of Surgery, Craigavon Area Hospital, 68 Lurgan Road, Portadown, County Armagh, United Kingdom, .
Correspondence to Mr Weir. colin.weir@southerntrust.hscni.net
Accepted May 1, 2008.
Abstract
Accidental intra-arterial injection as a consequence of drug misuse has been described in both the upper and lower limbs. We present a case in which a drug abuser injected heroin into his femoral artery. This resulted in necrosis of the femoral artery requiring an autologous graft. A life threatening haemorrhage necessitated ligation of the common femoral artery. His limb survived.
Keywords: Femoral artery necrosis, Intravenous drug abuse, Intra-arterial injection