Popliteal Artery Aneurysm with Limb Ischemia

Abstract

We reported three cases of popliteal artery aneurysm (PAA) with limb ischemia. Case 1: A 75-year-old man was referred complaining of severe left leg pain. Amputation of the left leg was performed because there was no indication for revascularization. Thrombotic PAA was recognized at the time of operation. Case 2: A 75-year-old man noted an asymptomatic left popliteal tumor. Though ultrasound echography showed a PAA (2.7 cm in diameter), the patient refused surgical intervention. Afterward, he was referred to our hospital for intermittent claudication. Left popliteal- tibial artery bypass was performed because the popliteal artery was thrombotic and the PAA was occluded. Case 3: A 29-year-old man was admitted with severe right leg pain. He had not been treated for his popliteal tumor because it was asymptomatic. Magnetic resonance imagimg confirmed a right PAA and angiography showed occlusion of the popliteal artery. Right popliteal-peroneal artery bypass was performed. PAA is the most common peripheral arterial aneurysm. Limb threatening ischemia is caused by acute aneurysm thrombosis or embolization. To avoid limb amputation, prompt surgical therapy is needed for small PAA with intramural thrombus.