Popliteal Aneurysms: Distortion and Size Related to Symptoms

Intraluminal thrombus volume correlates with the crural vessel runoff in popliteal artery aneurysms upon initial presentation

Background: Patients having emergency surgery due to ischemia caused by a popliteal artery aneurysm (PAA) have worse outcomes in all endpoints (operation time, major adverse limb events (MALE), amputation-free survival) than after elective treatment, mostly due to a limited crural vessel runoff. This study investigates the relationship between PAA diameter, volume, and luminal thrombus load in relation to the preoperative crural runoff. Patients and methods: Retrospective single-centre evaluation of surgically treated patients with PAA and semi-automated quantitative CT analysis of PAA morphologies (diameter, volume and intraluminal thrombus volume). Primary endpoints were the correlations these characteristics with the number of patent crural vessels. Results: A total of 89 PAAs (61 patients, median age 75, IQR 12; 94.4% male) were identified, of which 47.2% were symptomatic with 18 acute limb ischemia (ALI). The diameter at surgery was 33.8 ± 12.1mm and the volume 68.5 ± 13.6mm3. A median of two lower leg vessels were patent (elective 3 [1, 2, 3] vs. emergency 1 [1, 2], p=0.1) upon preoperative CTA. 77 PAAs underwent elective surgery, five PAAs (5.6%) received endovascular treatment. The surgical complication rate was 23.6% without immediate or early occlusion. The follow-up was 42.5 [39-45] months. The overall mortality rate was 11.2% and the primary patency rate 73.9%. While the total aneurysm volume correlated well with the diameter (r=0.77, p<0.01), the intraluminal thrombus volume (ILT) showed the clearest correlation with the crural runoff (r=-0.34, p=0.01). No correlation between the diameter and crural runoff was observed (r=-0.17, p=0.1). A reduced crural run-off was significantly associated with impaired amputation-free survival (p=0.01). A subgroup analysis (n=21) with sequential CTs showed a tendency towards greater increase of thrombus volume compared to plain diameter during PAA growth. The thrombus volume index (=ILT/total PAA volume) was significantly higher in emergency patients (p=0.01), while diameters tended to be smaller (p=0.57). Conclusions: The increasing intraluminal thrombus volume correlates most distinctly with a reduced crural runoff in PAAs and should therefore be considered prognostically important, especially in the presence of an increased growth rate compared to the diameter.

Chronobiological perspectives and meteorological associations in symptomatic popliteal artery aneurysms

The potential influence of circadian rhythm, seasonal variations, and alterations in meteorological parameters has been studied across various vascular events. However, there is a lack of evidence on the potential chronobiological impacts on thromboembolic events related to the most common peripheral aneurysm, the popliteal artery aneurysm (PAA). Data was obtained from a German PAA registry and the German Meteorological Service (Deutscher Wetterdienst). In this observational cohort study seasonality and chronobiology as well as associations with meteorological parameters of symptomatic PAA were investigated. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, it was further analyzed whether meteorological parameters could distinguish asymptomatic from symptomatic patients in the registry. Of 1200 registered PAA, n = 142 PAA presented with acute limb ischemia between February 2011 and September 2022. More symptomatic patients (57.0%) presented to the hospital between January and June than in the second half of the year with a nadir in the fall season. Symptom onset was predominantly in the morning hours (39.5%). Atmospheric pressure and humidity values from the index dates diverged from a normal distribution showing a bimodal ("double-peak") configuration. Most patients developed symptoms after a reduction in temperatures compared to 1 or 2 d prior to the index date. However, we found evidence for an interaction between age and temperature difference, where the effects of a decreasing temperature fade with increasing age. Facing the complexity of individual-environment interactions, further investigations are needed to determine whether meteorological parameters are true risk modifiers or surrogates for seasonal differences and altered behaviors.

Bypass Patency and Amputation-Free Survival after Popliteal Aneurysm Exclusion Significantly Depends on Patient Age and Medical Complications: A Detailed Dual-Center Analysis of 395 Consecutive Elective and Emergency Procedures

Background/Objectives: A popliteal artery aneurysm (PAA) is traditionally treated by an open PAA repair (OPAR) with a popliteo-popliteal venous graft interposition. Although excellent outcomes have been reported in elective cases, the results are much worse in cases of emergency presentation or with the necessity of adjunct procedures. This study aimed to identify the risk factors that might decrease amputation-free survival (efficacy endpoint) and lower graft patency (technical endpoint). Patients and Methods: A dual-center retrospective analysis was performed from 2000 to 2021 covering all consecutive PAA repairs stratified for elective vs. emergency repair, considering the patient (i.e., age and comorbidities), PAA (i.e., diameter and tibial runoff vessels), and procedural characteristics (i.e., procedure time, material, and bypass configuration). Descriptive, univariate, and multivariate statistics were used. Results: In 316 patients (69.8 ± 10.5 years), 395 PAAs (mean diameter 31.9 ± 12.9 mm) were operated, 67 as an emergency procedure (6× rupture; 93.8% severe acute limb ischemia). The majority had OPAR (366 procedures). Emergency patients had worse pre- and postoperative tibial runoff, longer procedure times, and more complex reconstructions harboring a variety of adjunct procedures as well as more medical and surgical complications (all p < 0.001). Overall, the in-hospital major amputation rate and mortality rate were 3.6% and 0.8%, respectively. The median follow-up was 49 months. Five-year primary and secondary patency rates were 80% and 94.7%. Patency for venous grafts outperformed alloplastic and composite reconstructions (p < 0.001), but prolonged the average procedure time by 51.4 (24.3-78.6) min (p < 0.001). Amputation-free survival was significantly better after elective procedures (p < 0.001), but only during the early (in-hospital) phase. An increase in patient age and any medical complications were significant negative predictors, regardless of the aneurysm size. Conclusions: A popliteo-popliteal vein interposition remains the gold standard for treatment despite a probably longer procedure time for both elective and emergency PAA repairs. To determine the most effective treatment strategies for older and probably frailer patients, factors such as the aneurysm size and the patient's overall condition should be considered.

Popliteal arterial aneurysms

Aneurysms are associated with significant complications if not diagnosed and managed appropriately. Popliteal arterial aneurysms are the most common peripheral aneurysm, and can cause pain, nerve compression, ischaemia and limb loss. Vascular surgery is an emerging specialty under the remit of general surgery, with the primary objectives of preventing death and limb loss. This article summarises the epidemiology, investigation and management of popliteal arterial aneurysms for vascular and non-vascular trainees.

Natural history, growth rates, and treatment of popliteal artery aneurysms

BACKGROUND

The natural history of a cohort of patients monitored for popliteal artery aneurysms (PAAs) has not been well described. A prevailing uncertainty exists regarding the optimal surveillance strategies and timing of treatment. The primary aim of the present study was to describe the care trajectory of all patients with PAAs identified at two tertiary vascular centers, both in surveillance and eventually treated. The secondary aim was to define the PAA growth rates.

METHODS

A retrospective, multicenter cohort study was performed of all patients with PAAs at two vascular centers in two countries (Sweden, 2009-2016; New Zealand, 2009-2017). Data were collected from electronic medical records regarding the comorbidities, treatment, and outcomes and analyzed on a patient- and extremity-specific level. Treatment was indicated at the occurrence of emergent symptoms or considered at a PAA threshold of >2 cm. The PAAs were divided into small (≤15 mm) and large (>15 mm) aneurysms. The mean surveillance follow-up was 5.1 years.

RESULTS

Most of the 241 identified patients (397 limbs) with a diagnosis of PAAs had bilateral aneurysms (n = 156). Most patients were treated within the study period (163 of 241; 68%), and one half of the diagnosed extremities with PAA had been treated (54%; 215 of 397). Among those who had undergone elective repair, treatment had usually occurred within 1 year after the diagnosis (66%; 105 of 158). More small PAAs were detected in the group that had required emergent repair compared with elective repair (6 of 57 [11%] vs 12 of 158 [8%]; P < .001). No differences were found in the mean diameters between the elective and emergent groups (30.1 mm vs 32.2 mm; P = .39). Growth was recorded in 110 PAAs and on multivariate analysis was associated with a larger index diameter (odds ratio, 1.138; 95% confidence interval, 1.040-1.246; P = .005) and a concurrent abdominal aortic aneurysm (odds ratio, 2.553; 95% confidence interval, 1.018-6.402; P = .046).

CONCLUSIONS

The present cohort of patients represented a true contemporary clinical setting of monitored PAAs and showed that most of these patients will require elective repair, usually within 1 year. The risk of emergent repair is not negligible for patients with smaller diameter PAAs. However, the optimal selection strategy for preventive early repair is still unknown. Future morphologic studies are needed to support the development of individualized surveillance protocols.

Popliteal artery aneurysms treatments: early midterm results of the use of endovascular stent grafts

Background/aim

Popliteal artery aneurysms (PAAs) are abnormal bulgings, which account for 70% of all peripheral artery aneurysms. They are usually asymptomatic. In this study, we present our long-term results of endovascular stent grafts in the treatment of PAA in the light of literature data.

Material and methods

A total of 63 legs of 63 patients with PAA, who were treated with endovascular techniques in our clinic between July 2010 and July 2019, were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent color Doppler ultrasound (DUS), magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), or computed tomography angiography (CTA) to identify the diameter and length of PAAs, vessel tortuosity, the presence and degree of thrombus, and diameter in the healthy landing zone and to visualize tibioperoneal vascular structures. A Viabahn stent graft was inserted in all patients.

Results

57 patients (90.5%) were males with a mean age of 76.35 ± 7 years. 24 patients (38.1%) were symptomatic, while 11 patients (17.5%) had a concomitant abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). The mean follow-up period was 46.05 ± 25.01 months. The primary patency rate was 79.3%. A graft thrombosis was observed in 13 patients (20.6%) during a mean follow-up period of 8.31 ± 5.91 months. The number of distal arteries was significantly lower in the patients with thrombosis than those without.

Conclusions

Endovascular treatment of PAA using stentgrafts is safe in selected cases. However, it is reasonable to avoid endovascular treatment due to an increased risk for thrombosis in patients with a low number of patent distal arteries or impaired distal flow.

The Society for Vascular Surgery clinical practice guidelines on popliteal artery aneurysms

The Society for Vascular Surgery clinical practice guidelines on popliteal artery aneurysms (PAAs) leverage the work of a panel of experts chosen by the Society for Vascular Surgery to review the current world literature as it applies to PAAs to extract the most salient, evidence-based recommendations for the treatment of these patients. These guidelines focus on PAA screening, indications for intervention, choice of repair strategy, management of asymptomatic and symptomatic PAAs (including those presenting with acute limb ischemia), and follow-up of both untreated and treated PAAs. They offer long-awaited evidence-based recommendations for physicians taking care of these patients.

When size does not matter: a rare case of popliteal artery aneurysm presenting with foot drop and its endovascular management

Popliteal artery aneurysms (PAA) are the commonest arterial aneurysm of the periphery. It is defined as focal dilation more than 50% of the normal vessel diameter, which usually varies between 7 and 11 mm. The most common presentation for PAA is claudication due to luminal stenosis caused by mural thrombus or acute limb ischaemia due to thromboembolism. It is much less common for patients to present with mass effect symptoms due to compression of adjacent structures, and of these, common peroneal nerve compression is particularly uncommon. We present a rare case of a 92-year-old female presenting with 4-month history of left foot drop with radiological evidence of common peroneal nerve compression secondary to PAA measuring 22 × 21 mm in size. To the best of our knowledge, this is the smallest reported popliteal aneurysm presenting with foot drop. We also present the endovascular treatment option used.

Modelling the growth of popliteal artery aneurysms

Background

Popliteal artery aneurysms (PAAs) comprise up to 85 per cent of all peripheral aneurysms. Few longitudinal studies track their progression. This study aimed to track the growth of asymptomatic PAAs in a hospital-based ultrasound service, and compare models of aneurysm growth.

Methods

This retrospective single-centre cohort study included patients who had a PAA on arterial duplex ultrasound imaging of the lower limbs between 1 January 2011 and 1 January 2016. Progression of PAA size and progression to event or intervention were the primary outcome measures.

Results

Some 282 images were analysed: 47 limbs with PAA were included in a cohort of 32 patients (15 had bilateral PAAs). Twenty patients also had an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Linear multilevel modelling estimated that PAA growth was 2·4 (95 per cent c.i. 1·6 to 3·7) mm a year. Growth was estimated at 0·8 (0·1 to 1·5) mm per year in patients without an AAA and 3·5 (2·9 to 4·2) mm per year in those with a known AAA (previous open repair, previous endovascular aneurysm repair or AAA under surveillance) (P &lt; 0·001).

Conclusion

Growth rates of PAA were heterogeneous but were optimally predicted by multilevel modelling. Patients with an existing AAA may have faster PAA progression than those without.

[Ruptures of popliteal artery aneurysms]

AIM

To improve diagnosis and surgical outcomes in patients with ruptured popliteal artery aneurysm.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Eight patients with ruptured popliteal artery aneurysm have undergone surgery for the period from 1999 to 2015 at the Vascular Surgery Department of Sklifosovsky Research Institute for Emergency Care. Incidence of rupture was 2.9% from total number of popliteal artery aneurysm. 7 patients with rupture had signs of lower limb ischemia (acute form grade I in 2 (25%) cases, grade IIA in 1 (12.5%), grade IIB in 1 (12.5%) case, chronic ischemia grade IIB in 2 (25%) patients, grade III in 1 (12.5%) patient). 1 (12,5%) patient had not lower limb ischemia. Preoperatively all patients underwent sonography of lower limb arteries and soft tissues, computed tomography of the same structures was carried out in 3 patients, 5 patients underwent subtraction digital angiography. Presence and dimensions of soft tissues hematoma, arterial perfusion proximally and distally to popliteal artery, aneurysms of contralateral limb and other localizations were assessed.

RESULTS

Amputations after surgical repair were absent in 6 patients. Five patients were discharged with patent graft, completely compensated blood flow and primary healing of postoperative wound. Severe postoperative complications followed by amputation occurred in 2 patients. One patient died with reperfusion syndrome, hematoma and graft infection, sepsis.

CONCLUSION

1) Ruptured popliteal artery aneurysm is extremely rare complication, however it is a formidable event with high risk of amputation and death. 2) Early diagnosis of popliteal artery aneurysm and surgical treatment prior to embolism, thrombosis and rupture are necessary to prevent formidable complications. 3) Timely detection of aneurysms and their complications by general practitioners is extremely low due to rarity and specificity of the disease, presence of various symptoms. It is necessary to popularize knowledge about this disease among general practitioners. 4) Sonography is screening method for differential diagnosis. 5) CT-angiography or subtraction angiography are advisable to assess distal perfusion if patient's state is stable without severe ischemia. 6) Aneurysm repair with popliteal artery replacement should be performed in early period after rupture in order to reduce time of ischemia and to prevent infection of hematoma in view of ischemia and anemia.

Ultrasound assessment of the posterior circumflex humeral artery in elite volleyball players: Aneurysm prevalence, anatomy, branching pattern and vessel characteristics

Objectives

To determine the prevalence of posterior circumflex humeral artery (PCHA) aneurysms and vessel characteristics of the PCHA and deep brachial artery (DBA) in elite volleyball players.

Methods

Two-hundred and eighty players underwent standardized ultrasound assessment of the dominant arm by a vascular technologist. Assessment included determination of PCHA aneurysms (defined as segmental vessel dilatation ≥150 %), PCHA and DBA anatomy, branching pattern, vessel course and diameter.

Results

The PCHA and DBA were identified in 100 % and 93 % (260/280) of cases, respectively. The prevalence of PCHA aneurysms was 4.6 % (13/280). All aneurysms were detected in proximal PCHA originating from the axillary artery (AA). The PCHA originated from the AA in 81 % of cases (228/280), and showed a curved course dorsally towards the humeral head in 93 % (211/228). The DBA originated from the AA in 73 % of cases (190/260), and showed a straight course parallel to the AA in 93 % (177/190).

Conclusions

PCHA aneurysm prevalence in elite volleyball players is high and associated with a specific branching type: a PCHA that originates from the axillary artery. Radiologists should have a high index of suspicion for this vascular overuse injury. For the first time vessel characteristics and reference values are described to facilitate ultrasound assessment.

Key Points

• Prevalence of PCHA aneurysms is 4.6 % among elite volleyball players.

• All aneurysms are in proximal PCHA that originates directly from AA.

• Vessel characteristics and reference values are described to facilitate US assessment.

• Mean PCHA and DBA diameters can be used as reference values.

• Radiologists need a high index of suspicion for this vascular overuse injury.

Early experience with the multilayer aneurysm repair stent in the endovascular treatment of trans/infragenicular popliteal artery aneurysms: a mixed bag

PURPOSE

To present a preliminary experience using a multilayer flow-modulating stent for trans/infragenicular popliteal endovascular aneurysm repair.

METHODS

Five men (mean age 76 years, range 62-86) with 6 popliteal artery aneurysms (PAAs) measuring 22 to 39 mm in diameter (mean 30) underwent endovascular repair using the Cardiatis Multilayer Aneurysm Repair System (MARS) between June and August 2011. Radiological assessments post procedure using duplex ultrasonography and biplanar knee radiographs (additional contrast studies as necessary) sought evidence of aneurysm exclusion, graft patency, and preservation of branches and runoff vessels.

RESULTS

Technical success was achieved in each case. There was one symptomatic stent occlusion requiring thrombectomy at 4 days, with reocclusion, and one leak via the stent struts into the sac with no branch outflow identified. Two further symptomatic stent occlusions were identified within a 6-week follow-up period, totaling 3 occlusions among the 6 devices deployed.

CONCLUSION

No firm conclusion can be reached on the efficacy of the MARS in PAAs due to the inherent limitations of this small series, although a 50% thrombosis rate is a poor outcome. The risk of early thrombosis in flow-modulating stents deployed in the popliteal artery exists, as it does with earlier generation stent-grafts. Larger prospective trials and the influence of more aggressive antithrombotic/anticoagulant therapy should be considered to enable accurate evaluation of this device in popliteal artery aneurysms.

A popliteal aneurysm with upper thigh extension: a tip of the iceberg finding

A 75-year-old male patient was referred to our orthopaedic department due to progressive weakening of the left leg, noticed while going up and down stairs, and swelling of the thigh. An increase in swelling was noted in association with spicy food. Clinical examination showed a palm-sized non-pulsatile soft mass in the popliteal region and swelling in the posterior-lateral thigh. MRI revealed a space-occupying 40×15×10 cm mass extending into the upper thigh without infiltrating character. Angiography was negative. Open surgical biopsy was performed to rule out a soft tissue tumour, during which, connection to the popliteal artery was identified. The patient underwent excision of the aneurismal sac and a prosthetic graft was interplaced. On follow-up, the patient noticed a rapid increase in muscle strength; stairs were no longer a problem.

Update on aneurysm disease: current insights and controversies: peripheral aneurysms: when to intervene - is rupture really a danger?

Peripheral artery aneurysms are rarer than abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA), although the true prevalence is not well known. They often coexist with aortic and other peripheral artery aneurysms. In contrast to AAA, where the principal risk is that of rupture, thromboembolism is more common, contributing a bigger risk in the more common lesions. Although rupture does occur, with incidence related to anatomical site, aneurysm diameter cannot be used to guide management with the same confidence as in AAA. In addition, the rarity of these lesions results in a paucity of evidence with which to guide intervention. Consequently they are difficult lesions to manage, and numerous aneurysm and patient factors must be considered to provide treatment individualised for each case. We discuss popliteal, femoral, carotid, subclavian, upper limb, visceral and false aneurysms, focussing on the risk of rupture and thromboembolism, and current thresholds for intervention, based on the available published literature.

Bilateral popliteal artery aneurysms in a young man with Loeys-Dietz syndrome

Loeys-Dietz syndrome is a recently described genetic connective tissue disorder. The syndrome is associated with multiple nonvascular phenotypic anomalies but also aggressive arteriopathy, which has so far principally been shown to cause aortic root dilatation with subsequent dissection and rupture. We report the first ever case of a young man diagnosed with Loeys-Dietz syndrome with asymptomatic large bilateral popliteal artery aneurysms. We have successfully resected these aneurysms and revascularized with synthetic graft.

A rare case of giant popliteal artery aneurysm in a young adult

Popliteal artery aneurysms (PAAs) are rare in the general population, but are the most common peripheral aneurysms. PAAs are often bilateral and are associated with abdominal aortic aneurysms. They usually affect older men with established cardiovascular disease caused by atherosclerosis. Whenever they occur in younger men, other more unusual etiologies such as trauma, mycotic aneurysm, inflammatory arteritis or popliteal entrapment are responsible. The authors report a rare case of giant congenital PAA, revealed by acute limb ischemia in a 23-year-old patient. The evolution after resection of the popliteal aneurysm and end-to-end anastomosis with synthetic graft was favorable.

Nonoperative versus surgical management of small (less than 3 cm), asymptomatic popliteal artery aneurysms

Popliteal artery aneurysms represent a common pathology that vascular surgeons are often confronted with. However, several issues remain incompletely understood, including indications for intervention and optimal methods of treatment. In the following article, our discussants debate the appropriate management of small popliteal artery aneurysms. Further complicating this discussion is the unclear relationship between popliteal artery aneurysm diameter and subsequent complications. Whereas with abdominal aortic aneurysms diameter is linked to rupture risk, it is less clear with popliteal artery aneurysms where complications are more likely to include thrombosis, embolization, and compression whether aneurysm diameter is accurately predictive. Perhaps other anatomic features should be included in our management algorithms? Regardless, our debaters will try to convince us whether small popliteal artery aneurysms warrant repair or not.

Bilateral giant femoropopliteal artery aneurysms: a case report

Introduction

Popliteal artery aneurysms are the most common peripheral arterial aneurysms, and are frequently bilateral. Acute limb ischemia, rupture and compression phenomena can complicate these aneurysms when the diameter exceeds 2 cm.

Case Presentation

We report an 82-year-old male patient with two giant femoropopliteal aneurysms, 10.5 and 8.5 cm diameters, managed in our institution. Both aneurysms were resected and a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) femoropopliteal interposition graft was placed successfully. Management and literature review are discussed.

Conclusion

We believe this is the first report in the medical literature of bilateral giant femoropopliteal aneurysms.

Long-term Results of Surgical Repair of Popliteal Artery Aneurysm

OBJECTIVE

To determine the long-term outcome of surgical repair of popliteal artery aneurysms (PAA).

METHODS

A retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent surgical PAA repair in two vascular surgery units between 1988 and 2006 was performed. Primary and secondary graft patency, limb salvage and patient survival rates were determined using Kaplan-Meier methods.

RESULTS

48 patients underwent repair of 63 PAAs (ligation and bypass=45, interposition grafting=18). The 5-year primary graft patency, secondary graft patency, limb salvage and patient survival rates were 75%, 95%, 98% and 81%, respectively. The 10-year primary graft patency rates were significantly lower for emergency cases (59%) compared with elective cases (66%) (p=0.0023). Thirteen patients (16 PAAs) required a total of 20 late re-interventions. Duplex ultrasound was available in 33 of 45 PAAs treated by ligation and bypass. Five (15%) PAAs demonstrated perfusion of the aneurysm sac at median (range) follow up of 75 (1-246) months after primary repair and two of these required emergency re-operation.

CONCLUSIONS

These data demonstrate that surgical PAA repair is associated with excellent long-term durability and provide an important benchmark with which to compare results of endovascular PAA repair. Patients treated using the ligation and bypass technique should be enrolled in an aneurysm sac surveillance program.

Popliteal aneurysms: from John Hunter to the 21st century

Popliteal aneurysms are rare and tend to occur in older men with significant co-morbidity. Historically, management of popliteal aneurysms can be considered in three broad groups: (i) the technique of Antyllus; (ii) techniques relying upon a collateral circulation; and (iii) techniques involving maintenance or restoration of circulation. Bypass and exclusion is currently been challenged by endovascular techniques which show promise in selected cases. Current controversies in popliteal aneurysms management are: when to repair asymptomatic aneurysms, what operation to do and how to manage acute thrombosis. These have been addressed by studying, prospectively, 73 patients presenting with 116 popliteal aneurysms. Diameter greater than 2 cm is often stated as being an indication for elective operation in asymptomatic popliteal aneurysms. However, distortion of the aneurysm appears to be at least as important as size in determining whether symptoms are likely to develop. Of 17 popliteal aneurysms followed for a median of 34 months with a diameter 2-3 cm and distortion less than 45 degrees , none thrombosed. This is no worse than patency following elective bypass (P = 0.064). Popliteal aneurysms greater than 3 cm in diameter in patients who are unfit or who declined an operation were significantly more likely to develop thrombosis or any other symptom (P = 0.01 and P = 0.004, respectively). Popliteal aneurysms less than 3 cm in diameter with distortion less than 45 degrees can safely be managed by ultrasound surveillance. Popliteal aneurysms with greater diameter or distortion are best operated upon. Bypass, combined with proximal and distal ligation of the aneurysm, resulted in 5-year graft patency of 78% and 65% for popliteal aneurysms originally patent or thrombosed, respectively, with good long-term exclusion of the aneurysm. In addition to the general complications of intra-arterial thrombolysis, acute deterioration of the limb during lysis appears to be a particular problem when dealing with thrombosed popliteal aneurysms. It occurs in about 13% of cases which compares with 2% when dealing with thrombosed grafts or native arteries. Intra-arterial thrombolysis for thrombosed popliteal aneurysms is associated with unacceptably high numbers of complications and thrombolysis should be reserved for intra-operative use only.

Early complications and long-term outcome after open surgical treatment of popliteal artery aneurysms: is exclusion with saphenous vein bypass still the gold standard?

BACKGROUND

Popliteal artery aneurysms (PAAs) are rare, but thromboembolic complications may result in limb loss. To define complications and outcomes after open surgical repairs, we reviewed our experience.

METHODS

Clinical data of patients with PAA seen between 1985 and 2004 at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, were reviewed and outcomes in 289 patients with open revascularization were analyzed. Kaplan-Meier method with log-rank tests, chi(2), and Wilcoxon rank sum tests were used for analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 358 PAAs were treated in 289 patients, consisting of 281 (97%) men and eight (3%) women. There were 133 (46%) unilateral and 156 (54%) bilateral PAAs with a mean diameter of 2.9 cm (range, 1.5 to 9 cm). Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) was more frequent with bilateral than unilateral PAAs (65% [101/156] vs 42% [56/133] P = .001). There were 144 (40%) asymptomatic limbs (group 1), 140 (39%) had chronic symptoms (group 2), and 74 (21%) had acute ischemia (group 3). Great saphenous vein (GSV) was used in 242 limbs (68%), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) in 94 (26%), and other types of graft in 22 (6%). Early mortality was 1% (3/358), all in group 3 (4% [3/74]). Six of seven patients with perioperative myocardial infarctions belonged to group 3 (8%). The 30-day graft thrombosis rate was 4%, with 1% in group 1 (1/144), 4% in group 2 (5/140), and 9% in group 3 (7/74). All six early amputations (8%) were in group 3, five with failed bypass (4 PTFE, 1 GSV). Mean follow-up was 4.2 years (range, 1 month to 20.7 years). The 5-year primary and secondary patency rates were 76% and 87%, respectively, higher with GSVs (85% and 94%) than PTFE (50% and 63%, P < .05). Seven recurrent PAAs (2%) required reintervention. The 5-year freedom from reintervention was 100% after endoaneurysmorrhaphy vs 97% after ligations (P = .03). Five-year limb salvage rate was 97% (85% in group 3). There was no limb loss in group 1 and none in group 2 with GSV. In group 3, preoperative thrombolysis reduced the amputation rate in class II patients with marginally threatened limbs (96% vs 69%, P = .02).

CONCLUSION

Acute presentation of PAA continues to carry high mortality and cardiac morbidity; although preoperative thrombolysis appears to improve results, the 8% early and 15% late amputation rates remain ominous. Early elective repair is recommended because these patients had no surgical mortality, a low rate of complications, and asymptomatic patients had no limb loss at 5 years. GSV and endoaneurysmorrhaphy continues to be the gold standard for open repair of PAA.

Outcome following bypass, and proximal and distal ligation of popliteal aneurysms

Background

The aim of this study was to describe early and late results of proximal and distal ligation for popliteal aneurysm (PA), combined with bypass, with particular reference to the fate of the excluded aneurysm.

Methods

Of a cohort of 116 patients with PAs, 66 were treated with bypass and ligation. Graft patency was determined by duplex surveillance. In addition, 17 patients with bypassed PAs underwent a total of 33 duplex scans to determine flow within the aneurysm and change in size.

Results

For initially patent PAs, 3-, 5- and 8-year primary bypass graft patency was 78, 78 and 51 per cent respectively. These rates were not statistically significantly different from those following bypass for thrombosed PA, 3- and 5-year primary patency being 72 and 65 per cent respectively. No PA produced further symptoms after bypass and ligation. No flow was seen in any aneurysm at follow-up. Only one showed an increase in size.

Conclusion

Proximal and distal ligation with bypass produced satisfactory long-term patency with good exclusion of the PA.

Giant popliteal aneurysm presenting with foot drop

Popliteal aneurysms are the most common peripheral arterial aneurysm and occur most commonly among older men with established cardiovascular disease. Popliteal aneurysms are asymptomatic or otherwise present with intermittent claudication, pressure symptoms in the popliteal fossa, distal embolization, and, rarely, rupture. We present a patient with a remarkably large popliteal aneurysm of 10 cm presenting as a popliteal swelling with foot drop and no signs of limb ischemia. According to our literature search, it is the largest reported popliteal aneurysm, and its corresponding symptoms are unusual. The diagnostic workup and treatment are presented.