CYSTIC ADVENTITIAL DISEASE OF THE POPLITEAL ARTERY

A CASE REPORT AND SUMMARY OF JAPANESE LITERATURE

Abstract

Cystic degeneration of the popliteal artery is a rare case which brings about circulatory disturbance of the lower extremities, and only 39 cases have been reported in Japan until now. We describe such a rare case, with some discussion based on the Japanese literature. A 56-year-old male complaining of intermittent claudication came to our hospital. Angiogram showed complete obstruction of the popliteal artery which extended 3 cm in length, but no atherosclerotic findings were present. During surgery, it was found that the half circle of the popliteal artery was cystic, and pulsation of the lower artery was hardly palpable. The cyst contained gelatinous material and completely compressed the intraluminal space. Histopathologically, the cyst existed in the media. The degenerated artery was resected and reconstructed with a saphenous vein graft. Postoperative course was uneventful, and digital subtraction angiogram showed good graft patency.