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Small popliteal artery aneurysms: are they clinically significant?
Enrico Ascher1, Natalia Markevich, Richard W Schutzer
1Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA. eascher@maimonidesmed.org
Journal of Vascular Surgery
|March 29, 2003
Summary
Smaller popliteal artery aneurysms are linked to increased thrombosis and symptoms. Duplex scanning aids in detecting these smaller aneurysms, which can present with severe ischemia.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Peripheral Artery Disease
Background:
- Popliteal artery aneurysms (PAAs) are a common peripheral arterial aneurysm.
- Symptoms range from asymptomatic to acute limb ischemia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if popliteal artery aneurysm diameter correlates with initial symptoms.
- To assess the relationship between aneurysm size and the presence of associated occlusive disease.
Main Methods:
- Duplex arteriography was performed in 500 lower extremities prior to infrainguinal revascularization.
- 34 popliteal aneurysms were diagnosed in 25 patients over 4 years.
- Patients were divided into symptomatic and asymptomatic groups for comparison.
Main Results:
- Aneurysm diameter averaged 2.8 cm in asymptomatic patients versus 2.2 cm in symptomatic patients (P <.03).
- Thrombosis occurred in 7 of 20 symptomatic limbs.
- Significant occlusive disease in infrapopliteal arteries was noted in 70% of asymptomatic limbs.
Conclusions:
- Smaller popliteal artery aneurysms are associated with a higher incidence of thrombosis and clinical symptoms.
- These findings suggest duplex scanning is crucial for identifying small PAAs that may present with severe ischemia.