[Arterial popliteal entrapment syndrome as the cause of acute peripheral ischemia]

The popliteal artery entrapment syndrome results from an abnormal relation of artery and tendomuscular structures in the popliteal fossa, which can compromise the artery. We report our experience in 18 cases of popliteal artery entrapment syndrome in 14 patients (12 men, 2 women) operated on at the University Hospital in Zurich during the period 1967-1988. A follow-up examination was possible in 12 of the 14 patients in whom popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (both legs in 2) was treated surgically. These patients had first presented with ischaemic symptoms at an average age of 30 years. The correct diagnosis of an entrapment syndrome was made at an average age of 36 years. In all, 5 of the 14 patients were affected bilaterally. In 5 cases the first sign was an acute ischaemic syndrome. All these patients were young and had formerly taken active part in sport. The follow-up examination after an average age of 11.25 years showed a very good result in 13 cases, a good result in 2 cases and an unsatisfactory postoperative result in 1.