Two Cases of Popliteal Venous Aneurysm Discovered after Pulmonary Embolism

Abstract

Popliteal venous aneurysms are relatively rare and may cause pulmonary embolism. Anticoagulation alone may not prevent recurrent pulmonary embolism, and surgery should be performed. Case 1: A 76-year-old male presented with palpitations and dyspnea, and CT showed bilateral pulmonary embolism and deep venous thrombus in the left external iliac vein. At the same time, it showed a right popliteal venous aneurysm with a diameter of 30 mm. He was treated with anticoagulant therapy, and the pulmonary embolism improved. An elective tangential aneurysmectomy for the right popliteal venous aneurysm was performed. Case 2: A 77-year-old female presented with palpitations and dyspnea. CT revealed a pulmonary embolism and a left popliteal venous aneurysm with the thrombus. She was anticoagulated for the preoperative period. After pulmonary embolism improved, an elective tangential aneurysmectomy was performed to prevent a recurrence of pulmonary embolism. Both patients have had no recurrence of pulmonary embolism.