[Popliteal anastomotic aneurysm as the origin of recurrent embolism]

We report on a young patient who underwent numerous arterial interventions after injury to the right groin. After several years, a popliteal anastomotic aneurysm, unidentified at that time, began to cause recurrent peripheral emboli. The importance of an intensive search for the source of the emboli is demonstrated. Bland arteriography does not rule out the presence of an aneurysm and should prompt further investigation with duplex-sonography and/or MR-imaging. Aneurysms causing recurrent peripheral emboli are an absolute indication for surgery.