[The thrombosed popliteal aneurysm: a problem for the interventional radiologist]

A completely thrombosed aneurysm of the popliteal artery may mimic a simple vascular occlusion both clinically and angiographically. If therapeutical interventions are planned for recanalisation a popliteal aneurysm must be excluded because in such cases vascular surgery is the method of choice. In 11 of 26 patients with an angiographically proven unilateral popliteal occlusion, contrast CT could demonstrate an aneurysm (unilateral n = 7, bilateral n = 4). Real time sonography could confirm unilateral thrombosed aneurysm in 10 of 11 cases; a partially thrombosed contralateral aneurysm was detected in all 4 cases. In contrast to a non-reliable palpable finding both US and or CT are useful in detecting an aneurysmatic degeneration of the popliteal artery. Previous identification of an aneurysm of the abdominal aorta or femoral artery may be helpful in patient selection.