Problems in Diagnosis of Popliteal Aneurysms

Abstract

Summary: Clinical features and errors in diagnosis have been assessed in a retrospective study of 62 popliteal aneurysms in 40 patients, 22 of whom had bilateral aneurysms. Only 29% of patients complained of pain or swelling behind the knee, while 31 % of aneurysms had produced distal ischaemia presenting as intermittent claudication, 9 aneurysms had thrombosed producing ischaemic rest pain in 6 legs, and 4 aneurysms had ruptured. Although 94% of aneurysms were suspected or confidently diagnosed by palpation alone, only 43% of patients had had the correct diagnosis made at the time of initial referral. Treatment was delayed in 12 patients, 8 of whom subsequently required amputation.Popliteal aneurysm should be suspected in patients with a prominent popliteal pulse who present with intermittent claudication, and in patients with acute ischaemia of the leg who may have a thrombosed aneurysm requiring surgical exploration.

Ruptures of popliteal artery aneurysms

“…R. Downing и соавт. [29], проанализировав результаты лечения 40 больных с 62 симптомными подколенными аневризмами, сообщили, что врачами общего профиля правильный диагноз поставлен всего в 26% наблюдений. В случае разрыва, по данным R. Sie и соавт.…”

Use of US in the Evaluation of Patients with Symptoms of Deep Venous Thrombosis of the Lower Extremities

“…Almost 45% of popliteal artery aneurysms are asymptomatic when they are first diagnosed, but they can be symptomatic when they rupture, embolize distally, or produce DVT secondary to compression of the popliteal vein. Rupture of popliteal aneurysms is uncommon, with a reported prevalence of 6% of patients (35). Downing et al (35) found that six of 35 patients (17%) with popliteal artery ated with exercise, but it can also be caused by normal, daily activities.…”

“…Rupture of popliteal aneurysms is uncommon, with a reported prevalence of 6% of patients (35). Downing et al (35) found that six of 35 patients (17%) with popliteal artery ated with exercise, but it can also be caused by normal, daily activities. Clinically, tennis leg is characterized by a sudden pain in the calf that patients describe as a "pop."…”

Mistaken Identity of Popliteal Artery Pseudoaneurysm for Deep Vein Thrombosis: a Case Report

“…Accurate clinical examination of the popliteal fossa is difficult [16]. There is evidence to suggest that all symptomatic as well as asymptomatic popliteal aneurysms above 2cm in diameter should be surgically treated [17].…”