Vol 66, No 4 (2007)
Review article
Published online: 2007-08-13
Popliteal artery aneurysms: a review
Folia Morphol 2007;66(4):272-276.
Abstract
Popliteal artery aneurysms (PAAs) are the most common form of peripheral arterial
aneurysms. The popliteal artery is the continuation of the femoral artery and
represents the major source of blood to the leg. Thrombus formation as a result
of PAA may reduce blood flow, leading to limb-threatening ischemia and potential
limb amputation. Popliteal artery aneurysms are predominantly seen in
males (95-99% of cases), presumably owing to their predisposition for arteriosclerosis,
which is also a major factor for PAA predisposition. Additionally, it is
not uncommon to see an abdominal aortic aneurysm associated with a PAA
(30-50% of cases) or bilateral presentation of PAA (~50% of cases). A consequence
of a PAA and thrombus located in the popliteal fossa is an inflammatory
reaction, potentially involving adjacent structures in the fossa. This may present
clinically as pain in the leg and/or edema. Treatment of PAA involves either
a conservative management protocol or a more aggressive intervention such as
surgery. Proponents of conservative management will regulate the diameter of
the aneurysm by ultrasound, while those in favor of surgical intervention will
repair the aneurysm through a number of open surgical methods or by endovascular
stent grafting. This review summarizes the historical points related to
PAA and analyzes the pertinent anatomical implications, clinical findings and
treatment methods for PAA.
Keywords: popliteal arterypopliteal fossaaneurysmlower limb