[Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome]

Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome is a rare cause of lower limb ischaemia. It is caused by an abnormal relationship between popliteal artery and its surrounding musculotendineous structures (anatomic entrapment). Functional popliteal entrapment is characterized by normal anatomic relationships within popliteal fossa. The true incidence is unknown, it usually affects young patients, typically men, and is clinically presented with symptoms of calf claudication, calf cramping, coldness and paresthesia. CT angiography and MR angiography have become an imaging technique of choice. The mainstay surgical procedure is popliteal artery release. In cases of popliteal artery damage autologous saphenous vein bypass grafting offers the best long-term results. Authors on the basis of two case reports describe the clinical course, diagnosis and surgical technique used in the treatment of patients with advanced popliteal artery entrapmentsyndrome.