Popliteal artery pseudoaneurysm following arthroscopy

Area of Science:

• Vascular Surgery
• Arterial Reconstruction
• Peripheral Artery Disease

Background:

• Popliteal artery pseudoaneurysms are rare but can cause critical limb ischemia.
• Embolization from pseudoaneurysms is a significant cause of acute limb ischemia in young patients.
• Previous knee arthroscopy is a potential risk factor for popliteal artery pathology.

Observation:

• An 18-year-old male presented with acute left foot ischemia.
• The ischemia was attributed to emboli originating from a left popliteal artery pseudoaneurysm.
• The patient had a history of bilateral knee arthroscopies.

Findings:

• Successful endovascular obliteration of the popliteal artery pseudoaneurysm was performed.
• A reverse saphenous vein bypass graft was utilized to restore arterial flow.
• The patient's limb ischemia resolved post-intervention.

Implications:

• This case highlights the importance of considering popliteal artery pseudoaneurysms in young patients with acute limb ischemia.
• Combined endovascular and open surgical techniques can effectively manage complex popliteal artery pathologies.
• Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to prevent limb loss in cases of arterial embolization.