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Updated: Mar 18, 2026

Catheter-based Endovascular Angioplasty for Fibrosing Mediastinitis-associated Pulmonary Vein Stenosis
Published on: August 26, 2025
[Recurrent pulmonary embolism due to popliteal venous aneurysm]
L H P Vroegindeweij1, P D van Hove, J W H Kruimer
1Maasstad Ziekenhuis, Rotterdam.
Background:
Popliteal venous aneurysms are very rare, but when left untreated they can lead to severe and recurrent pulmonary embolism.
Case Description:
A 35-year-old man was referred to the outpatients' vascular clinic for additional diagnostics of a swelling just above the back of his right knee. He had a history of recurrent idiopathic pulmonary embolism despite anticoagulation. Diagnostic imaging revealed a large popliteal venous aneurysm. The patient underwent surgical resection of the aneurysm and was prescribed oral anticoagulation postoperatively. Duplex ultrasound at 3 months postoperative revealed unimpeded blood flow in the venous interposition graft. The patient no longer had oedema.
Conclusion:
Aneurysms of the popliteal vein should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients with pulmonary embolism. In patients with unexplained recurrent pulmonary embolism despite anticoagulation, additional diagnostic imaging of the lower extremities should be considered and inclusion of duplex ultrasound is recommended.
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Veins of Lower Limbs
Formed by the union of the medial and lateral plantar veins, the posterior tibial vein, rising through the calf muscle, assimilates the fibular vein. The anterior tibial vein, a superior extension of the foot's dorsalis pedis vein, merges with the posterior tibial vein at the...

