Cystic adventitial disease of the popliteal artery: An argument for the developmental theory

Cystic Adventitial Disease of the Popliteal Vein: A Case Report

Venous cystic adventitial disease (VCAD) is a rare vascular anomaly located in the common femoral vein in most cases. We describe the case of a 59-year-old female patient with right leg edema who was misdiagnosed with deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremity at another hospital. Magnetic resonance angiography revealed a round mass in the popliteal vein, with a narrow lumen. Considering the location of the lesion, absence of a history of deep venous thrombosis and trauma, and clinical manifestations, the diagnosis is likely a popliteal vein adventitial cyst. Segmental popliteal vein resection and reconstruction were performed using a cylindrical great saphenous vein graft. No joint connection was found during the operation, and the postoperative pathology confirmed VCAD.

Adventitial Cystic Disease in the Popliteal Artery Diagnosed by Intravascular Ultrasound Imaging

The prevalence of peripheral artery disease (PAD) has been increasing in parallel with the increasing prevalence of the atherosclerotic disease. Therefore, we have to be familiar with the diagnostic approach used for ischemic symptoms in the lower limbs. Adventitial cystic disease (ACD) is rare but not negligible as one of the differential diagnoses of intermittent claudication (IC). Although duplex ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are helpful tools for the diagnosis of ACD, further imaging modality is needed to avoid misdiagnosis. A 64-year-old man with a mitral valve prosthesis presented to our hospital with a one-month history of IC in the right calf after walking for approximately 50 meters. On physical examination, the pulse in the right popliteal artery was not palpable, nor were the dorsal pedis artery and posterior tibial artery, although there were no other symptoms of ischemia. His right ankle-brachial index (ABI) was 1.12 at rest but decreased to 0.50 after exercise. Three-dimensional computed tomography (CT) angiography revealed a severe stenotic lesion approximately 70 mm long in the right popliteal artery. Therefore, we diagnosed PAD in the right lower limb and planned endovascular therapy. The stenotic lesion was markedly reduced on catheter angiography when compared with CT angiography. However, intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) detected little atherosclerosis and cystic lesions within the wall in the right popliteal artery that did not involve the arterial lumen. Especially, IVUS clearly demonstrated that the crescent-shaped cyst compressed the arterial lumen eccentrically and other cysts surrounded the lumen circumferentially like petals. Because IVUS revealed these cysts to be extravascular structures, the patient was subsequently thought to have ACD of the right popliteal artery. Fortunately, his cysts reduced in size spontaneously and his symptoms disappeared. We have monitored the patient's symptoms, ABI, and findings on duplex ultrasound for seven years, during which there has been no recurrence. In this case, we diagnosed ACD in the popliteal artery by IVUS rather than duplex ultrasound and MRI.

Treatment failure after rotational atherectomy and balloon angioplasty in recurrent cystic adventitial disease of the popliteal artery: a case report

Cystic adventitial disease (CAD), which usually affects the popliteal artery, is a rare vascular condition in which fluid accumulates in the sub-adventitial layer, compressing the lumen. Historically, surgical treatment is preferred over endovascular or minimally invasive techniques, due to its lower recurrence rates. Here, the case of a 67-year-old male patient, in whom rotational atherectomy was performed for recurrent CAD following surgical cyst excision and patch angioplasty is reported. The patient’s symptoms recurred one day after the rotational atherectomy procedure and repeat computed tomography angiography showed recurrence of the disease. Due to gradual worsening of the condition during 8 months of follow-up, left distal femoral artery to popliteal artery (below-the-knee) bypass surgery was performed using an ipsilateral reversed great saphenous vein graft. Follow-up has continued for 2 years without complications or requirement of additional treatment. This novel case is the first report of atherectomy attempted for recurrent CAD that led to an early recurrence. Our experience emphasises that additional surgical approaches should be selected over endovascular procedures for treating recurrent CAD.

Cystic Adventitial Disease of the Popliteal Artery With Recurrent Intermittent Claudication After Drug-Coating Balloon Angioplasty: A Case Report Treated by Surgical Treatment

Cystic adventitial disease of the popliteal artery is a rare cause of unilateral intermittent claudication. The etiology of cystic adventitial disease is unknown, and affected patients are younger than those diagnosed with chronic arteriosclerosis. A 62-year-old man presented with a history of right leg claudication, which occurred after walking a distance of 500 m. The patient had no history of cardiovascular risk factors or trauma in the lower extremities. The ankle-brachial pressure index (ABI) was 0.58 in the affected leg. The patient was referred to the cardiovascular department. On Doppler ultrasonography, popliteal artery stenosis was detected. Following an angiogram, drug-coated balloon angioplasty was performed. The claudication improved, as indicated by an ABI of 1.11 in the affected leg. However, following one month of endovascular treatment, claudication had recurred, indicated by an ABI of 0.59. Computed tomography indicated the presence of a stenotic lesion in the popliteal artery, which may have developed from compression on the artery due to the presence of a surrounding periarterial cyst. The patient was subsequently diagnosed with cystic adventitial disease of the popliteal artery and was referred for vascular surgery. During surgery, the popliteal artery was exposed by the posterior approach; the artery showed circumferential enlargement and complete resection of the adventitial layer was performed. The patient had a successful postoperative recovery and the claudication disappeared (ABI of 1.14). Surgical management is an effective curative treatment for cystic adventitial disease of the popliteal artery that shows better efficacy than endovascular treatment. In the future, diagnostic methods for cystic adventitial disease should include computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging with T1- and T2-weighted images.

Long-term outcome of partial resection in venous adventitial cystic disease

Venous adventitial cystic disease is extremely rare. Therefore, standard treatment methods have not been clearly defined. Some reports suggest that complete cyst removal is an effective treatment. However, considering the relatively high recurrence rate, follow-up periods were short. Herein, we report the case of a 75-year-old man with venous adventitial cystic disease successfully treated with partial cyst wall excision. No recurrence was observed for 10 years postoperatively. This case suggests that complete cyst wall excision might not be necessary for the treatment of venous adventitial cystic disease.

Cystic adventitial disease of the popliteal vein and artery in siblings

Cystic adventitial disease (CAD) is an uncommon condition in which mucoid cysts form within the adventitial layer of the arterial or venous wall. We have presented two cases in which two first-degree relatives (brother and sister) had acquired CAD ∼6 years apart, one involving the popliteal artery and the other involving the popliteal vein. We have reported a rare case of a possible familial association of CAD. We have discussed the etiology, diagnostic criteria, and imaging modalities between arterial and venous CAD to aid in the management and selection of optimal treatment strategies.

Venous Adventitial Cyst Mimicking a Persistent Femoral Deep Venous Thrombosis

OBJECTIVE

We describe the case of lower limb unilateral swelling due to a cystic mass (adventitial cystic disease) compressing on the common femoral vein. This was misdiagnosed as a deep vein thrombosis on both computed tomography venography and Doppler ultrasound.

METHOD

We describe the diagnostic pathways and surgical excision of this venous adventitial cyst of the femoral vein.

CONCLUSION

Venous adventitial cysts are a rare occurrence and diagnosis remains difficult. It often presents clinically as a Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). Suspicions should be raised should symptoms persist despite appropriate DVT management. Surgical management include endovascular, minimally invasive procedures, and complete evacuation of the mucoid cyst with excision of the cystic wall.

[Adventitial cyst of the popliteal artery]

Vascular cystic adventitious degeneration (CAD) is a rare disease of unclear etiology that affects mainly the popliteal artery (up to 85-90% of cases). Clinical manifestations are similar to aneurysm of the popliteal artery. CAD occurs mainly in males of the 4^th and 5^th decades of life (range 10-77 years). These patients usually have no risk factors of cardiovascular diseases. Unilateral symptoms prevail. We report a review and a 46-year-old patient with CAD of the popliteal artery.

Effectiveness of Surgical Treatment with Complete Cyst Excision for Cystic Adventitial Disease of the Popliteal Artery

BACKGROUND

Cystic adventitial disease is a rare, nonatherosclerotic disease that affects various arteries and veins, involving the formation of a mucinous cyst within the adventitia. The etiology of the cystic adventitial disease is currently unclear, with several hypotheses having been suggested. The purpose of this retrospective observational study was to evaluate the etiology of popliteal cystic adventitial disease based on imaging and surgical findings and to evaluate the efficacy of surgical treatment.

METHODS

From April 2013 to January 2020, nine patients were diagnosed with the popliteal cystic adventitial disease and underwent surgical treatment. We performed complete resection of the cyst and the affected segment of the popliteal artery, followed by interposition with autologous reversed small saphenous vein or great saphenous vein.

RESULTS

The resected adventitial cyst tissue was multilobular, filled with high-viscosity mucus. Pathologic examination of the surgical specimen revealed intramural cysts filled with gelatinous material located between the media and the adventitia, consistent with the clinical diagnosis of cystic adventitial disease. The median follow-up period was 27.5 months (range: 2-91 months). All patients underwent cyst excision with graft interposition, and the overall graft patency was 80.9 months (95% CI: 62.2-99.6 months).

CONCLUSIONS

Computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and surgical findings confirmed communication between the synovial cyst and arterial adventitia. It is recommended that priority be given to surgical resection and graft interposition because this can eliminate the disease's cause and reduce its recurrence.

Cystic Adventitial Disease With Familial Predisposition: A Case Study

Cystic adventitial disease is a cause of nonatherosclerotic intermittent claudication. The diagnosis should be most frequently considered in middle-aged men without significant cardiovascular risk factors. The etiology of a cystic adventitial disease is not known, but direct communication between a joint and a cyst is considered to be the source of the disease. Patients affected by cystic adventitial disease frequently present with either claudication or swelling, involving the lower extremities. A characteristic popliteal cyst appearance is seen on noninvasive imaging that confirms the underlying diagnosis. A familial history of cystic adventitial disease requiring surgical intervention in multiple first-degree relatives indicates the need for further research into the possibility of a familial predisposition associated with the condition. In this report, the etiology, pathology, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment methods are discussed.

Inconsistent Use of Terminology and Different Treatment Outcomes of Venous Adventitial Cystic Disease: A Proposal for Reporting Standards

Adventitial cystic disease (ACD) is a very rare condition characterized by the accumulation of a cyst filled with gelatinous substance in the adventitia of a vessel adjacent to the joint area. The cyst usually compresses the vessel lumen, causing claudication or leg swelling. The disease usually affects the popliteal artery. However, several cases of venous ACDs particularly in the common femoral or external iliac vein have been reported. The definition, diagnosis, and optimal treatment of ACD remain controversial because of its rarity and the inconsistent use of terminology. The heterogeneity of the reported cases is more prominent in venous ACD. Herein, the accurate terminology of cysts correlated to the joint (synovial cyst, ganglion cyst, and adventitial cyst) and the pathogenesis, anatomy, and optimal therapy of venous ACD are discussed in detail to establish reporting standards for future studies.

Surgical Strategy to Reduce the Recurrence of Adventitial Cystic Disease after Treatment

Purpose

Adventitial cystic disease (ACD) is a rare condition that causes intermittent claudication and non-atherosclerotic disease without cardiovascular risk factors. The etiology and optimal treatment of ACD remain controversial. The purpose of this study was to analyze surgical treatment results for ACD and to elucidate optimal treatment options.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 30 patients with ACD who underwent surgery from 2006 to 2018. Twenty-two patients had arterial ACD, six had venous ACD, and two had combined venous and arterial ACD. We reviewed demographic and clinical characteristics, treatment details, and procedure outcomes.

Results

Recurrence occurred in 6 cases either after cyst excision alone (4/17) or patch angioplasty (2/2). There was no recurrence after vessel excision with interposition grafting (0/7). Therefore, vessel excision was a statistically significant factor in recurrence prevention (P=0.026). Among the six recurrences, joint connections of the cystic lesions were found in four of the six (66.7%).

Conclusion

As a curative surgery for ACD, vessel excision with interposition grafting is a better strategy to prevent recurrence than simple cyst excision alone.

Two Cases of Popliteal Cystic Adventitial Disease Treated with Primary Stenting: Long-Term Results

The cystic adventitial disease of the popliteal artery is an uncommon cause of intermittent claudication in young patients. Several treatment options are available, oriented to either drainage of the cyst and/or arterial reconstruction. Endovascular techniques have been exceptionally used to treat this condition, with mixed results. We report 2 young claudicants treated with primary stenting with continuous 4- and 10-year symptomatic relief and arterial patency.

CYSTIC ADVENTITIAL DISEASE OF THE POPLITEAL ARTERY

Cystic adventitial disease (CAD) is a rare cause of unilateral intermittent claudication of unknown aetiology, which is characterized by the formation of multiple mucin-filled cysts in the adventitial layer of the arterial wall resulting in obstruction to blood flow. The disease predominantly presents in young otherwise healthy males and most commonly affects the popliteal artery (85% of cases). CAD can be diagnosed by duplex ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic resonance angiography, or computed tomographic angiography. Surgery is the primary mode of treatment, including exarterectomy, or replacement of the affected vascular segment by venous or synthetic interposition graft. Alternatively, the cysts can be drained by percutaneous ultrasound-guided needle aspiration. We conducted a review of the literature on the aetiology, diagnosis and treatment of this uncommon condition and present the case report.

Adventitial Cystic Disease of the Iliac Artery with a Connection to the Hip Joint

More than 700 adventitial cystic diseases (ACDs) have been reported in the literature, with most cases affecting the popliteal artery in young men. Here, we describe our treatment and etiologic consideration of a patient who presented with an ACD of the external iliac artery, known to be an extremely rare location. On preoperative imaging, the ACD had a connection to the nearby hip joint and was treated with resection of the affected segment, including ligation of the joint connection and interposition with a prosthetic graft. The pathogenesis of ACDs is not fully understood; however, we believe that joint connections are important in their development and treatment.

Cystic Adventitial Disease of Popliteal Artery with Venous Aneurysm of Popliteal Vein: Two-Year Follow-Up after Surgery

We report a rare case of cystic adventitial disease of popliteal artery with venous aneurysm of popliteal vein. A 46-year-old woman had sudden-onset intermittent claudication and coldness in her right leg. The right-sided ankle-brachial pressure index (ABI) was 1.01, but peripheral arterial pulsation was decreased at knee venting position. Computed tomography revealed simple cystic lesion of the popliteal artery and stenosis of the arterial lumen in this lesion. The patient was treated by complete resection of the cystic adventitial layer of popliteal artery. A venous aneurysm of popliteal vein was revealed by intraoperative echo and was simply ligated. The patient had uneventful postoperative course and no symptoms of relevance during the two years of follow-up.

Cystic adventitial disease-case series and review of literature

Cystic adventitial disease (CAD) is a rare vascular disorder that involves the arteries and rarely the veins, most commonly found in the popliteal artery of male patients. Etiology of CAD is uncertain and currently without a consensus agreement. Clinically, the most common presenting symptom is claudication. Diagnosis requires a strong clinical suspicion in patients with intermittent claudication, but without other risk factors for atherosclerotic disease. Angiography, ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can all be used for diagnosis. Treatment of CAD can be done via surgical resection or percutaneous intervention such as aspiration. CAD can rarely recur after treatment.

Cystic adventitial disease of the common femoral vein

We present the case of a 46-year-old commercial pilot with a history of unilateral leg swelling following a flight to Geneva. Although initial clinical examination suggested a deep vein thrombosis, the swelling only partially resolved with anticoagulation and further imaging suggested the presence of adventitial cystic disease (ACD). The patient underwent initial anticoagulation to allow any thrombus to be lysed, followed by excision of the ACD from the venous wall and venous reconstruction. Following the excision of the ACD, providing the patient remains asymptomatic and further imaging finds normal venous anatomy, we hope the patient will discontinue anticoagulation and return to flying.

Venous Adventitial Cystic Disease: A Review of 45 Cases Treated Since 1963

Purpose. To review and identify the most accurate ways of diagnosing and treating adventitial cystic disease (ACD) of the venous system. Methods. Cases of ACD were collected through three popular medical databases, including PubMed, Cochrane, OVID, and MEDLINE. After reviewing the literature, the sites of occurrence of 323 cases of adventitial cystic disease were documented, and all cases of arterial ACD were excluded. The clinical features, treatment, and subsequent course of 45 cases of venous ACD are included in this paper. Results. After reviewing all 45 cases of venous ACD , we have confirmed that the most common vessel affected is the common femoral vein, which reproduces the most common symptom of venous ACD: asymmetric lower extremity swelling worsening over time. Conclusion. Venous ACD most commonly affects the common femoral vein. When unilateral leg swelling occurs with or without a noticeable mass, ACD should be considered. It is best confirmed with CT venography and the treatment of choice is transluminal cyst evacuation and excision.

Uncommon Diseases of The Popliteal Artery: A Pictorial Review

Uncommon diseases of the popliteal artery include cystic adventitial disease, popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES) and popliteal artery aneurysm (PAA). Because all of these conditions may present with pain or intermittent claudication, imaging is crucial for differentiating them and directing management. Delayed diagnosis can lead to major complications, including acute limb ischemia. Our aim is to provide an illustrative overview of these conditions in order to make radiologists aware of them and avoid misdiagnosis for timely appropriate management.

Teaching Points

• Cystic adventitial disease diagnosis is based on evidence of cysts within artery walls.

• A variety of anatomic variations may result in PAES.

• PAES may be bilateral.

• PAA is most commonly encountered in men.

• Acute complications of PAA include acute thrombosis and distal embolization.

A young male runner with a posterior knee mass--not just your typical Baker's cyst

We present the case of a 28-year-old man with a growing mass in his right popliteal fossa causing pain on exertion. The differential diagnosis included Baker's cyst, entrapment syndrome of the popliteal artery, as well as a benign or malignant neoplasm. An ultrasound was non-specific. Follow-up MRI of the knee demonstrated cystic adventitial disease (CAD). With only about 500 cases reported in the literature since its discovery in 1947, CAD is a rare entity. The disease is characterised by mucinous or gelatinous cysts in the arterial or venous adventitia. The disease is predominantly seen in the popliteal artery and typically affects otherwise healthy males in the fourth to fifth decade of life. It presents clinically as intermittent exertional claudication. Examination of our case and a review of the literature will highlight the importance of considering CAD in patients who report of a popliteal mass and intermittent claudication.

Cystic Adventitial Disease of the Common Femoral Artery. Case Report and Review of the Literature

PURPOSE

Cystic adventitial artery disease is an uncommon non-atherosclerotic peripheral vessel disease. Furthermore cystic adventitial disease of the common femoral artery is an extremely rare entity. We report the case of a 54 year-old man complaining of intermittent claudication who was referred to our vascular service.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Doppler ultrasound and multidetector-row computed tomography (CT) with 3-dimensional volume rendering revealed severe stenosis with cystic an adventitial cyst in the common femoral artery. Intra-operative Doppler ultrasound showed the cyst to be multilocular type. Reversed great saphenous vein interposition was successfully placed.

CONCLUSION

Removal of cyst together with artery and interposition using reversed great saphenous vein is the optimal treatment procedure to prevent recurrence.

Cystic adventitial disease of the popliteal artery

Cystic adventitial disease of the popliteal artery is a relatively rare entity, responsible for approximately 1 in 1,200 cases of claudication. We present a case with both classic history and imaging features. We hope that our experiences may increase radiologists’ familiarity with this unusual but treatable entity.

Surgical Treatment of Cystic Adventitial Disease of the Popliteal Artery: Five Case Reports

Cystic adventitial disease (CAD) is a rare cause of intermittent claudication and nonatherosclerotic conditions in middle-aged men without cardiovascular risk factors. The etiology of CAD is unclear; however, the direct communication between a cyst and a joint is presumed to be a cause. We herein report a case series of CAD of the popliteal artery (CADPA), in which patients were treated with surgical resection and vascular reconstruction. Although less invasive treatment modalities, including percutaneous cyst aspiration and percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, have been the subject of recent reports, these treatments have had a higher recurrence rate. Therefore, all of the CAPDA cases in the present series were treated surgically, which lead to good outcomes.

Conditions presenting with symptoms of peripheral arterial disease

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is estimated to affect more than 20% of people older than 65 years. The vast majority of patients with symptoms suggestive of PAD have atherosclerosis often associated with conventional vascular risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and inflammation. A minority of people presenting with symptoms suggesting PAD have an alternative etiology. These groups of disorders are often underdiagnosed, and if diagnosed correctly the diagnosis may be delayed. Understanding these pathologies well is important, as they can be very debilitating and optimal treatment may vary significantly. Inappropriate treatment of these disorders can lead to worsening morbidity and mortality. This article discusses the underlying causes of nonatherosclerotic PAD, including the diagnosis and treatment of these disorders.

Cystic Adventitial Disease of the Common Femoral Vein

We report on a 52-year-old female patient who presented with a 6-month history of right lower extremity swelling and tenderness. The patient was treated as an outpatient with full anticoagulation, without any improvement. Her medical history was significant for hypertension and high cholesterol, and she had a full coagulopathy profile that was negative for any hypercoagulable syndrome. On examination, the patient was moderately obese, with significant tenderness over the medial aspect of the right groin. A venous duplex examination revealed hypoechoic structure ± acute deep vein thrombosis of right common femoral vein (CFV). A computed tomography of the venous phase revealed an eccentric compression over the medial wall of the right CFV. During surgical exploration, adventitial cystic mucinous disease was enucleated from the medial wall of the right CFV, and the pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis. The postoperative course was uneventful, and all swelling and tenderness were completely resolved. The patient continued to do well, and she had an unremarkable venous duplex evaluation at her 6-month follow-up.

High spatial resolution MRI of cystic adventitial disease of the iliofemoral vein communicating with the hip joint

Venous cystic adventitial disease (CAD) is an extremely rare entity, and so far less than 20 cases have been described in the literature. Herein, we describe the imaging findings of CAD of iliofemoral vein in a 51-year-old woman who presented with leg swelling with special emphasis on high spatial resolution MRI, which demonstrated communication of the cyst with the hip joint. To our knowledge, this is the first description of high spatial resolution MRI findings in venous CAD supporting a new theory about the pathogenesis of venous CAD.

Adventitial cystic disease of the popliteal artery

We describe a patient with adventitial cystic disease of the popliteal artery with intermittent claudication involving the right calf during exercise. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) revealed a cystic lesion that encircled and compressed the popliteal artery. Resection of the cyst involving a segment of the affected popliteal artery and interposing an autologous vein graft resolved the symptoms, and the postoperative course was uneventful. The cyst was histologically similar to a ganglion.

Cystic adventitial disease of the popliteal artery

Cystic adventitial disease (CAD) is a rare condition caused by a cystic abnormality of the adventitia. It is most commonly found in young or middle-aged adults without significant risk factors for peripheral arterial disease. The disease usually affects the popliteal artery and can present with intermittent claudication. We present a case of CAD of the popliteal artery in a 65-year-old man and describe its treatment. For symptomatic patients, treatment of choice remains surgical resection of the cyst through a posterior approach.