A systematic review of venous aneurysms by anatomic location

Venous aneurysms are uncommon vascular abnormalities that may be identified anywhere in the body. Historically, they were often misdiagnosed as soft tissue lesions, but with the advent of readily available noninvasive imaging (such as duplex ultrasound), they can now be easily identified. Our aim was to review the presentation of venous aneurysms, available imaging modalities for defining them, and management.

The English-language literature before March 2017 was reviewed, and only reports of primary venous aneurysms of the deep veins were included. Reports were subdivided on the basis of the location of the venous aneurysm, and reports containing sample imaging studies were referenced from Elsevier publications.

In total, our review identified reports of 35 head and neck venous aneurysms, 42 thoracic venous aneurysms, 152 intra-abdominal venous aneurysms, and 279 venous aneurysms of the extremities. Venous aneurysms of the lower extremity deep veins were most likely to be manifested by venous thromboembolic events, with approximately 25% to 50% of popliteal vein aneurysms presenting with pulmonary embolism. Diagnosis can be made by duplex ultrasound, computed tomography venography, magnetic resonance venography, or invasive venography. Management varies by location; most thoracic and head and neck aneurysms are observed, whereas venous aneurysms of the extremities are treated with surgical intervention, given the potential for venous thromboembolism. Few reports describe endovascular management of these lesions, so open surgical intervention remains the standard of care.

Venous aneurysms are rare vascular malformations that occur throughout the body. Many are identified on routine imaging ordered for other indications, whereas venous aneurysms of the deep veins of the extremities are often manifested with venous thromboembolism. Management of these lesions is determined largely by location and the potential morbidity and mortality of the untreated aneurysms vs surgery; aneurysms of the head and neck and thorax are managed with observation and serial imaging over time, whereas those of the abdomen and extremities are treated with surgical intervention. Endovascular techniques continue to lack a defined role in their management, and the standard of care remains open repair, when indicated.