Our experience of popliteal vein aneurysm

Abstract

Popliteal venous aneurysms (PVA) are rare and in most cases the first sign of their presence is a pulmonary embolus or other thromboembolic events. We report four cases of PVA, in two of these the first sign of their presence was an acute pulmonary embolism; in two remaining cases the diagnosis was fortuitous. Accurate evaluation of venous system of lower limb by duplex scan is important in all cases of pulmonary embolism, the anticoagulation may be ineffective in preventing pulmonary embolism and the surgical repair is the mainstay of therapy of this pathology because it is safe and effective.

Management of Symptomatic Venous Aneurysm

“…Preventive IVC filter placement can reduce the risk of embolism during deep vein aneurysm surgical repair [2, 18] or when thrombosis recurred in venous surgical area. Even though recurrent pulmonary embolism after surgery has never been reported yet, one case of fatal pulmonary emboli three hours later with a large femoral arteriovenous fistula excision has been described [19].…”

Surgical Repair for Popliteal Venous Aneurysm Causing Severe or Recurrent Pulmonary Thromboembolism: Three Case Reports

“…7) Anticoagulation therapy alone may not prevent PE in patients with symptomatic PVA, and its sole use as treatment is associated with a high incidence of recurrence. 1,3,5,6,8) Given the potential for serious thromboembolic complications, surgical repair is indicated in all symptomatic patients. However, management of asymptomatic PVA remains a controversial issue.…”

Pulmonary Embolism Caused by Popliteal Venous Aneurysm

“…Popliteal venous aneurysms (PVAs) are very rare [1-8], and the literature does not contain sizing criteria for guiding physicians in diagnosing a venous dilatation as an aneurysm [2]. A spectrum of progressive focal enlargement has been reported to occur before aneurismal formation [3].…”

“…The etiology of PVAs is unclear [1-8]. We suggested trauma, inflammation, congenital weakness, and localized degenerative changes as possible causes [1,2].…”