Hematoma after femoral arterial blood sampling: incidence, imaging features, and course of hematoma

This study evaluated the incidence and course of a hematoma occurring after femoral arterial sampling. We studied 270 patients who underwent computed tomography (CT) including the pelvis and blood gas sampling from femoral artery using a 22-gauge needle during 2010. This population comprised 176 men and 94 women with a mean (SD) age of 54.9 (24.3) years (range, 0-97 years). We evaluated whether hematoma was present at the femoral artery. Size and location of the hematoma, the short-axial luminal diameter of artery contact with the hematoma was also assessed. The CT images showed hematoma around the femoral artery in 128 patients (47.4%); this group comprised 84 men and 44 women with a mean (SD) age of 51.1 (24.1) years (range, 0-92 years). Hematoma was not observed in 142 patients (52.6%; 92 men and 50 women; mean [SD] age, 58.3 [24.2] years; range, 0-97 years). There was no significant difference in age, sex, altered hemostasis, or time between arterial puncture and CT between the 2 groups with or without hematoma. Arterial stenosis of 50% or greater was observed in 7 patients (mean [SD] age, 17.1 [8.97] years; range, 6-31 years; 4 males and 3 females). Our data revealed a high frequency of small hematoma around the femoral artery is following arterial blood sampling that was independent of bleeding diathesis. No patient progressed to a severe condition, although temporary arterial stenosis did occur.