Two cases of cystic adventitial disease of the popliteal artery

Abstract

Cystic adventitial disease of the popliteal artery is a rare cause of lower extremity occlusive disease. Lower leg pain is usually a sign of vessel disease and cystic adventitial disease is rarely considered. However, ultrasound examinations can very easily and quickly detect such cysts. Including an ultrasound examination in the work-up is therefore recommended in patients with acute lower leg pain. We report two cases where an ultrasound examination was useful in detecting this rare disease. Case 1: a 56-year-old male, ankle brachial index at rest dropping from 1.10 to 0.58 in 3 months with spontaneous disappearance of a cystic mass occurring 4 weeks later. Case 2: a 52-year-old male successfully treated with surgery.