Surgical Treatment of an Asymptomatic Popliteal Venous Aneurysm

Abstract

Popliteal venous aneurysms (PVAs) are a rare venous disease that may lead to deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Surgical treatment is recommended because anticoagulation alone is inadequate to prevent DVT and PE. We report a case of an asymptomatic PVA that was detected incidentally and successfully treated with open surgical repair. A 64-year-old woman presented to our department because of varicose veins in the lower extremities. Duplex ultrasound examination revealed a PVA in the right popliteal fossa. Despite the absence of thrombosis associated with the PVA and asymptomatic presentation, we performed tangential aneurysmectomy with lateral venorrhaphy to prevent life-threatening thromboembolic events. One year after the surgery, we did not observe recurrence of the PVA or complications. Surgical intervention for PVAs is safe and effective to prevent thromboembolic complications and is considered first-line treatment for PVAs.