[Adventitial cyst of the popliteal artery. Imaging and percutaneous treatment]

Adventitial cystic disease of the popliteal artery is a rare cause of calf claudication in young patients. A case explored by magnetic resonance imaging is reported: a water rich mass around the popliteal artery compressed the arterial lumen. Treatment consisted in CT-guided percutaneous aspiration. Good functional outcome except for severe efforts, despite persistance of cystic images was observed. Echography, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging are more useful to establish the diagnosis than arteriography because these techniques can directly visualize the arterial wall. Percutaneous treatment preserves the intima and can be performed in out-patients. When feasible, it could be preferred to conventional surgery.