Abstract

Background: Popliteal artery aneurysm is the most common peripheral aneurysm. It tends to be bilateral. The most frequent complication is thrombosis of the popliteal artery which harbors approximately 25-36% chance of major amputation. Distal embolization may be subclinical until a limbthreatening situation develops. Patients with symptomatic aneurysms should be operated on while those with small asymptomatic aneurysms can be followed up.
Case Report: Questions regarding the diagnosis, signs and symptoms, and the treatment of popliteal artery
aneurysm are raised and dealt with through the description of a unique case report. Between a third and a half of the patients are asymptomatic at the time of diagnosis. Symptoms may be subclinical such as recurrent distal microembolization and thus the patient may be followed-up instead of operated on. On the other hand, the first symptom can be acute thrombosis of the popliteal artery with a limb-threatening situation.
Conclusions: A high index of suspicion is warranted. Once the diagnosis is made a meticulous search
for additional aneurysms should be done. Surgical treatment is advised even for small aneurysms.

Keywords: Popliteal Artery, Aneurysm, symptoms and signs