A Case of Pulmonary Embolism Due to a Popliteal Venous Aneurysm with Arteriovenous Malformation of the Leg

Abstract

Pulmonary embolism from a venous aneurysm associated with a congenital arteriovenous malformation is very rare, and no treatment strategy has been established. We report a case of pulmonary embolism from a popliteal venous aneurysm with arteriovenous malformation that was treated with venous aneurysmorrhaphy and succeeding oral anticoagulation. The patient, a 28-year-old female, was referred to our hospital for surgery after an inferior vena cava filter implantation and anticoagulation therapy at another hospital for pulmonary embolism. Congenital arteriovenous malformation in the posterior tibial artery and peroneal artery region of the right lower extremity was diagnosed by ultrasonography, contrast-enhanced CT, and lower extremity MR-angiography. We diagnosed the cause of pulmonary embolism as a thrombus from the dilated right popliteal vein, and performed plication of the right popliteal venous aneurysm without resection. No recurrence of symptoms has been observed during the 10 years follow up period.