Clinical Information

Provided by the
Society for Vascular Surgery®

Popliteal Venous Aneurysm

Section Editor James S.T. Yao
Popliteal Venous Aneurysm

James S. T. Yao
Northwestern University Medical School
Chicago, Illinois

Brief Case History

A 23-year-old man presented with a one-year history of left popliteal fossa swelling. In addition, he noted enlargement and discomfort of the mass with activity. On examination, the mass was soft and collapsed on supine position. A duplex ultrasound scan identified the presence of popliteal venous aneurysm. An ascending venogram confirmed the diagnosis. (See Figure 1) Using the posterior approach, a large venous aneurysm was found in the popliteal vein. (See Figure 2) On opening of the aneurysm, there was no thrombus but multiple loculations were seen (See Figure 3). A panel graft using long saphenous vein was constructed as a conduit. The aneurysm was then resected and the panel graft was interposed in the popliteal vein with end-to-end anastomosis. Follow-up venogram showed patent interposed panel vein graft. (See Figure 4) Isolated popliteal aneurysm is uncommon but can be treated with posterior surgical approach and the use of a panel vein graft.

Figure 1: Ascending venogram showing a large popliteal venous aneurysm.

Figure 2: Intraoperative image of a large popliteal venous aneurysm by posterior approach to the popliteal fossa.
Figure 3: Multiple loculations seen in the inside of the venous aneurysm.
Figure 4: Patent popliteal panel vein graft in a follow-up ascending venogram.
Top of page
Society for Vascular Surgery - 633 N. St. Clair, 24th Floor; Chicago, IL 60611; Phone: 312-334-2300 or 800-258-7188; Fax: 312-334-2320; Email: vascular@vascularsociety.org
 © 2009 VascularWeb. All rights reserved. Use of the VascularWeb site constitutes acceptance of all of the policies, rules and regulations for the site.