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Updated: Jun 8, 2025
06:45
Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Screening for Proximal Lower Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis
Published on: February 10, 2023
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An "Occult" Popliteal Vein Aneurysm Causing Pulmonary Embolism
Adedapo Oladiran1, Dale Maharaj1, Dinesh Ariyanayagam2
1Caribbean Vascular and Vein Clinic, St. Clair Medical Centre, Port of Spain, Trinidad, West Indies.
Summary
Popliteal vein aneurysms (PVAs) can cause dangerous pulmonary emboli, even with anticoagulation. Early surgical repair is recommended to prevent serious complications from these rare vascular conditions.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Cardiology
- Radiology
Background:
- Popliteal vein aneurysms (PVAs) are rare venous malformations that can lead to significant thromboembolic complications.
- Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a serious condition that can arise from PVAs, posing a risk to patient health.
- Anticoagulation therapy, while standard for venous thromboembolism, may not always prevent embolization from PVAs.
Observation:
- A 64-year-old male presented with exertional dyspnea and near syncope, indicative of potential pulmonary embolism.
- Computed tomography pulmonary angiogram confirmed pulmonary emboli in the lung bases.
- Venous duplex scan identified a fusiform suprageniculate popliteal vein aneurysm without intraluminal thrombus.
Findings:
- Surgical resection of the popliteal vein aneurysm with a lateral vein patch graft repair was successfully performed.
- The patient received 6 months of anticoagulation post-surgery.
- Two years of follow-up showed no recurrence of symptoms or thromboembolic events.
Implications:
- This case highlights that popliteal vein aneurysms, though uncommon, are a critical cause of pulmonary emboli.
- Early surgical intervention for symptomatic PVAs is advised to mitigate risks of morbidity and mortality.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment of PVAs can prevent severe thromboembolic events and improve patient outcomes.
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