Popliteal artery aneurysms: Role of primary care physicians

Saravanan Balachandran1, Rajkumar Murugesan2, K Jayachander2

  • 1Department of Vascular Surgery, Mount Multispeciality Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

Insights

This study highlights a rare case of popliteal artery aneurysms in siblings. Management involved surgical repair with vein grafts, emphasizing a unique familial occurrence of this peripheral artery condition.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Surgery
  • Genetics
  • Pediatric Cardiology

Background:

  • Popliteal artery aneurysms (PAAs) are the most common peripheral artery aneurysms.
  • Aneurysms secondary to exostosis are exceptionally rare.
  • Familial clustering of PAAs is infrequently reported.

Observation:

  • A rare presentation of popliteal artery aneurysms occurred in siblings.
  • One sibling presented with symptomatic PAAs.
  • The other sibling had a history of similar vascular issues.

Findings:

  • Surgical management included aneurysm excision and revascularization.
  • A reversed long saphenous vein graft was used for interposition.
  • Successful surgical outcome was achieved in the affected sibling.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the possibility of a genetic predisposition to PAAs.
  • Highlights the importance of considering familial screening for peripheral artery aneurysms.
  • Informs surgical strategies for rare pediatric vascular conditions.

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