Popliteal Artery Aneurysm

Popliteal Artery Aneurysm

It is the condition in which there is bulge in the walls of artery that runs behind the knee joint. The name of artery affected is popliteal artery.

Symptoms

The clinical signs and symptoms of popliteal artery aneurysm are;

• Contant aching pain behind the knee joint.
• Swelling of lower leg.
• Pain in foot.
• Ulcers on feet that don’t heal properly.

Causes

The accurate cause of this type of aneurysm is still unknown. However, it is found that It mostly occur after trauma to the popliteal artery or due to deposition of fat and hardening of surface due to clotting (arteriosclerosis).

Diagnosis

Popliteal artery aneurysm is diagnosed mainly by screening test like;

• CT scan
• MRI
• Ultrasound

Treatment

Main options for treatment include;

• Surgical bypass which is considered as gold standard.
• Great saphenous grafting.
• Prosthetic graft.