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Popliteal venous aneurysm with pulmonary embolism
E Debing1, A Vanhulle, W Verhaeghe
1Department of Vascular Surgery, Academic Hospital, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.
The Journal of Cardiovascular Surgery
|December 2, 1998
Summary
Popliteal vein aneurysms can cause dangerous pulmonary embolism in healthy individuals. Prompt diagnosis and treatment, including surgery or filters, are crucial for preventing recurrence.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Cardiology
- Radiology
Background:
- Popliteal vein aneurysms are rare but can lead to significant thromboembolic events.
- Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a serious condition often originating from deep vein thrombosis.
Observation:
- Two healthy patients presented with symptoms of PE, including chest pain, hemoptysis, and dyspnea.
- Diagnostic imaging revealed thrombosed popliteal vein aneurysms as the source of the emboli.
Findings:
- Perfusion-ventilation lung scans confirmed PE in both patients.
- Lower extremity duplex imaging and contrast venography identified the popliteal vein aneurysms.
- One patient underwent aneurysmectomy, while the other received anticoagulation and an inferior vena cava filter.
Implications:
- This case series highlights the importance of considering popliteal vein aneurysms in the differential diagnosis of PE, even in young, healthy patients.
- Early identification and appropriate management, including surgical or endovascular interventions, are essential to prevent recurrent thromboembolic events.
- The study discusses diagnostic modalities and treatment strategies for popliteal vein aneurysms.