Pulmonary Embolism Caused by Popliteal Venous Aneurysm

Abstract

Venous aneurysms are uncommon in the lower limb and are more frequently found in the neck and thoracic and visceral veins. However, they have been reported to cause thrombosis, pulmonary thromboembolism, and other related complications. Popliteal venous aneurysms are often undetected because they are usually asymptomatic, but they may cause pulmonary thromboembolic events. We experienced a case of a 44-year-old man who was referred for recurrent pulmonary thromboembolism. He showed no other symptoms or signs except shortness of breath. A popliteal venous aneurysm was diagnosed incidentally because the examinations were performed to detect a deep vein thrombosis in relationship to the patient's history of pulmonary thromboembolism. We report a case of surgical treatment for a popliteal venous aneurysm that was complicated by pulmonary thromboembolism.

Tangential Resection of a Popliteal Vein Aneurysm in a Patient Complaining of Localized Popliteal Pain

“…The presence of thrombi in a patent venous system differs from the pathophysiology of deep vein thrombosis. PVAs tend to be found in patients with severe thromboembolic features without warning symptoms, such as leg pain and swelling [ 2 ]. Unusually, but fortunately in our case, the patient had local pain, which was helpful for early diagnosis and treatment.…”

“…Popliteal vein aneurysms (PVAs) are rare diseases [ 1 ], and may bring about serious complications such as pulmonary embolism [ 2 ]. Once a serious complication occurs, patients with PVAs can reach fatal conditions.…”

“…Early suspicion and recognition of these diseases are very important to prevent catastrophic complications. PVAs tend to be found in patients with severe thromboembolic features without warning symptoms, such as leg pain and swelling [ 2 ]. Unusually, but fortunately in our case, the patient had local pain without thromboembolic features.…”

A Rare Presentation of Popliteal Vein Aneurysm: Case Report

“…In our case, the popliteal aneurysm was saccular type. Inflammation, trauma, degenerative changes and congenital wall weakness may be some of the probable etiologies for PVAs [11]. Nearly all cases of PVAs are diagnosed after patients present with complications due to PVA, deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary emboli being the most common of all [12] [13] [14].…”

Popliteal Vein Aneurysm Associated with Varicose Veins, Hydrocele, and Multiple Congenital Osteomas: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

“…Early suspicion and diagnosis of the disease are essential to prevent catastrophic complications. PVAs tend to be found in patients with severe thromboembolism without warning symptoms, such as leg pain or swelling [2]. Fortunately, in some cases, a PVA can be diagnosed in the absence of PE, on the basis of a high degree of suspicion by the vascular surgeon [3].…”