Tętniak tętnicy podkolanowej
Objawy

Tętniak tętnicy podkolanowej (PAA) definiowany jest jako ogniskowe poszerzenie tętnicy podkolanowej przekraczające 50% jej prawidłowej średnicy (0,7-1,1 cm), co oznacza rozmiar około ≥1,5 cm. PAA stanowi 70-85% tętniaków obwodowych i jest drugim najczęstszym tętniakiem po aorcie brzusznej, z przewagą występowania u mężczyzn powyżej 65 roku życia. W około 45-50% przypadków pozostaje bezobjawowy, jednak może manifestować się bólem podudzia, obrzękiem, parestezjami oraz wyczuwalnym, pulsującym guzem w dole podkolanowym. Najpoważniejszym powikłaniem są zakrzepowo-zatorowe incydenty prowadzące do ostrego niedokrwienia kończyny, które występuje u około 30% nieleczonych pacjentów i wiąże się z ryzykiem amputacji (14-17% w ostrym niedokrwieniu, nawet do 50-70% przy pęknięciu tętniaka). Pęknięcie tętniaka jest rzadkie (2-7%) lecz stanowi stan zagrożenia życia z niekorzystnym rokowaniem.

Definicja i charakterystyka Tętniaka tętnicy podkolanowej

Tętniak tętnicy podkolanowej (ang. Popliteal Artery Aneurysm, PAA) to nieprawidłowe, ogniskowe poszerzenie tętnicy podkolanowej, której średnica przekracza 50% normalnego wymiaru. Prawidłowa średnica tętnicy podkolanowej wynosi od 0,7 do 1,1 cm, zatem tętniak jest diagnozowany, gdy jej wymiar osiągnie około 1,5 cm lub więcej.12 Tętniaki tętnicy podkolanowej są najczęstszym rodzajem tętniaków tętnic obwodowych, stanowiąc 70-85% wszystkich tętniaków obwodowych, jednocześnie będąc drugim najczęstszym typem tętniaka po tętniakach aorty brzusznej.34 Schorzenie to częściej występuje u mężczyzn (ponad 95% przypadków) i zazwyczaj dotyczy osób starszych, ze średnim wiekiem wystąpienia około 65 lat.56

Objawy Tętniaka tętnicy podkolanowej

Tętniaki tętnicy podkolanowej często pozostają bezobjawowe – około 45-50% pacjentów nie wykazuje żadnych objawów w momencie diagnozy.78 Warto jednak zwrócić uwagę na potencjalne symptomy, które mogą wskazywać na obecność tętniaka tętnicy podkolanowej:

Objawy pierwotne

Objawy wynikające z efektu uciskowego

Gdy tętniak się powiększa, może uciskać na sąsiadujące struktury, powodując:1819

  • Dolegliwości bólowe związane z uciskiem nerwu piszczelowego20
  • Obrzęk kończyny dolnej (związany z uciskiem żyły podkolanowej)21
  • Drętwienie i osłabienie kończyny dolnej22
  • Zaburzenia czucia23

Powikłania i progresja Tętniaka tętnicy podkolanowej

Głównym zagrożeniem związanym z tętniakiem tętnicy podkolanowej nie jest jego pęknięcie (co zdarza się rzadko, w około 2-7% przypadków), ale raczej powikłania zakrzepowo-zatorowe, które mogą prowadzić do poważnych konsekwencji.2425

Zakrzepica i zatory

Najczęstszym powikłaniem jest tworzenie się skrzepów wewnątrz tętniaka, które mogą:2627

  • Prowadzić do zakrzepicy tętniaka (całkowitego zamknięcia światła naczynia)28
  • Powodować zatorowość dystalną (fragmenty skrzepów przemieszczają się do mniejszych tętnic w łydce lub stopie)29
  • Wywoływać ostre niedokrwienie kończyny30

Około 30% nieleczonych pacjentów doświadcza ostrej zakrzepicy i zatorowości dystalnej, co wiąże się z ryzykiem utraty kończyny.31 W ciągu 3-5 lat ryzyko rozwinięcia powikłań wynosi około 30-50%, zależnie od wielkości tętniaka.32 Co więcej, badania wskazują, że 18-33% pacjentów z bezobjawowym PAA ostatecznie rozwinie objawy zakrzepowo-zatorowe lub efektu masy.33

Objawy ostrego niedokrwienia kończyny

W przypadku wystąpienia ostrego niedokrwienia kończyny (spowodowanego zakrzepicą tętniaka lub zatorowością) mogą pojawić się następujące objawy:343536

  • Nagły, silny ból kończyny dolnej37
  • Zmiana koloru skóry w obszarze dotkniętym niedokrwieniem (bladość, siność)3839
  • Brak tętna za kolanem40
  • Chłodna skóra w obszarze dotkniętym niedokrwieniem41
  • Drętwienie kończyny42
  • Niemożność poruszania stopą43
  • Parestezje (mrowienie, drętwienie)44
  • Porażenie lub osłabienie mięśni (paresis)45

Objawy te składają się na tzw. „6P” ostrego niedokrwienia kończyny: Pain (ból), Pallor (bladość), Pulselessness (brak tętna), Paresthesia (parestezje), Paralysis (paraliż) i Poikilothermia (zaburzenia termoregulacji).46

Ryzyko amputacji

W przypadku ostrego niedokrwienia kończyny na skutek zakrzepicy tętniaka tętnicy podkolanowej, istnieje znaczne ryzyko utraty kończyny. Częstość amputacji w przypadku pacjentów z ostrym niedokrwieniem kończyny wynosi od 14% do 17%, choć niektóre starsze źródła podają wartości od 20% do 60%.47 W przypadku ostrego niedokrwienia kończyny spowodowanego pęknięciem tętniaka, wskaźnik amputacji sięga 50-70%.48

Niedokrwienie może prowadzić do nieodwracalnego uszkodzenia nerwów i martwicy (zgorzeli), co może skutkować koniecznością amputacji kończyny i/lub zagrażającą życiu sepsą oraz niewydolnością wielonarządową, jeśli nie zostanie odpowiednio szybko leczone.4950

Pęknięcie tętniaka

Pęknięcie (ruptura) tętniaka tętnicy podkolanowej jest rzadkim powikłaniem w porównaniu z powikłaniami zakrzepowo-zatorowymi.51 Gdy jednak dojdzie do pęknięcia, może ono prowadzić do:5253

  • Niekontrolowanego krwawienia w dole podkolanowym54
  • Masywnego obrzęku kończyny55
  • Niedokrwistości w badaniach laboratoryjnych56
  • Stanu zagrażającego życiu57

Rokowanie u pacjentów z pękniętym tętniakiem tętnicy podkolanowej jest zazwyczaj niekorzystne. Utrata kończyny jest częstym następstwem.5859

Przebieg naturalny choroby

Progresja u pacjentów bezobjawowych

U pacjentów z bezobjawowym tętniakiem tętnicy podkolanowej istnieje ryzyko rozwoju objawów i powikłań z upływem czasu. W ciągu 2 lat ponad 10% pacjentów rozwinie objawy, a ponad 30% doświadczy powikłań w ciągu swojego życia.60 Rocznie około 5-24% pacjentów rozwija objawy podczas obserwacji.61

Wielkość tętniaka koreluje z ryzykiem powikłań. W jednym z badań obejmujących 116 tętniaków podkolanowych:62

  • Średnica bezobjawowych tętniaków wynosiła średnio 2,0 cm
  • Tętniaki powodujące niedokrwienie miały średnio 3,0 cm
  • Tętniaki wywołujące objawy uciskowe miały średnio 3,45 cm

Korelacja wielkości tętniaka z objawami

Interesujące jest, że niektóre badania sugerują wyższy wskaźnik zakrzepicy w mniejszych tętniakach w porównaniu z większymi.6364 Oznacza to, że wielkość tętniaka nie zawsze jest bezpośrednio proporcjonalna do ryzyka powikłań zakrzepowo-zatorowych, co ma kluczowe znaczenie przy podejmowaniu decyzji o leczeniu.

Tętniak tętnicy podkolanowej rzadko osiąga rozmiar większy niż 5 cm, ponieważ objawy zwykle rozwijają się, zanim tętniak osiągnie taki rozmiar.65 W przeciwieństwie do tętniaków w innych lokalizacjach, typowym przebiegiem PAA jest powodowanie zatorowości i niedokrwienia, a nie progresja do pęknięcia.66

Przypadki szczególne

U pacjentów ze współistniejącą hipercholesterolemią rzadziej występują objawy zagrażające kończynie (32,8%) w porównaniu z pacjentami bez hipercholesterolemii (60,7%). Ponadto, pacjenci przyjmujący statyny wykazują korzystniejszy przebieg kliniczny, choć wymaga to dalszych badań.67

Tętniaki podkolanowe często występują obustronnie (50% przypadków) i mogą współistnieć z tętniakami aorty brzusznej (do 80% przypadków).686970

Sytuacje naglące i wskazania do pilnej interwencji

Niektóre scenariusze kliniczne wymagają natychmiastowej interwencji medycznej, niezależnie od wielkości tętniaka:7172

  • Ostre niedokrwienie kończyny spowodowane zakrzepicą tętniaka lub zatorowością dystalną73
  • Pęknięcie tętniaka74
  • Szybkie powiększanie się tętniaka75
  • Objawy kompresyjne nasilające się76

Opóźnienie leczenia w przypadku ciężkiego niedokrwienia może prowadzić do nieodwracalnego uszkodzenia tkanek w ciągu 6-12 godzin, co skutkuje koniecznością amputacji.77

Rokowanie

Rokowanie u pacjentów z tętniakiem tętnicy podkolanowej zależy głównie od:

  • Czasu rozpoznania i podjęcia leczenia78
  • Obecności objawów w momencie rozpoznania79
  • Wielkości tętniaka80
  • Obecności zakrzepicy lub zatorowości81
  • Chorób współistniejących82

Rokowanie jest korzystne dla pacjentów z tętniakiem tętnicy podkolanowej naprawionym planowo. W przypadku pilnego leczenia ostrego niedokrwienia kończyny, około 95% pacjentów zachowuje kończynę po rewaskularyzacji.83 Pięcioletnie przeżycie po pilnym leczeniu PAA wynosi około 71,7%, przy czym pacjenci leczeni z powodu pękniętego tętniaka mają niższy wskaźnik przeżycia 5-letniego (48,2%) w porównaniu z pacjentami leczonymi z powodu ostrego niedokrwienia kończyny (79,7%).84

Profilaktyczna naprawa bezobjawowego tętniaka tętnicy podkolanowej o średnicy ≥ 2 cm znacząco zmniejsza ryzyko powikłań zakrzepowo-zatorowych i utraty kończyny.85

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  1. 09.04.2026
  2. www.leksykon.com.pl

Materiały źródłowe

  • #1 Popliteal Artery Aneurysm – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/books/NBK430863/
    Popliteal artery aneurysms occur when the diameter of the popliteal artery undergoes focal dilation, exceeding 50% of its normal range, which typically varies from 0.7 to 1.1 cm. […] Most commonly, popliteal artery aneurysms are asymptomatic. If patients exhibit chronic symptoms, these are usually secondary to mass effect and compression of adjacent structures, such as the tibial nerve, which causes leg pain or paresthesias. […] When an aneurysm acutely thromboses, the most common symptoms are acute lower extremity ischemia resulting in the acute onset of pain, paresthesias, paresis, pallor, and poikilothermia due to either aneurysmal intraluminal thrombosis or distal embolization of thrombus. […] Approximately 30% of untreated patients experience acute thrombosis and distal embolization with the risk of possible limb loss.
  • #2 Popliteal artery aneurysm – Wikipedia
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Popliteal_artery_aneurysm
    A popliteal artery aneurysm (PAA) is a bulging (aneurysm) of the popliteal artery. A PAA is diagnosed when a focal dilation greater than 50% of the normal vessel diameter is found (the normal diameter of a popliteal artery is 0.7-1.1 cm). PAAs are most often asymptomatic. Chronic symptoms are most often secondary to the mass effect exerted upon adjoining structures by the aneurysm (e.g. pain and paresthesias due to tibial nerve compression, calf swelling due to compression of the popliteal vein). Thrombosis within the aneurysm and subsequent luminal narrowing may result in claudication of gradual onset, while an acute thrombosis (occluding the vessel at the side of the aneurysm or lodging distally as the vessel narrows) may lead to acute lower extremity ischaemia and associated symptomatology (pain, paresthesia, paresis, pallor, poikilothermia). Untreated, some 30% of those affected develop acute thrombosis and distal embolization, risking potential limb loss. In cases with acute thrombosis/embolism, amputation rate is 15%. […] A PAA seldom presents with a size greater than 5cm, as symptoms typically develop before the aneurysm reaches such a size. Unlike aneurysms elsewhere in the body, the typical course of PAAs is to embolize and produce ischaemia, rather than to progress to rupture.
  • #3 Popliteal Artery Aneurysms – Endovascular Today
    https://evtoday.com/articles/2003-nov/1103_08.html
    Popliteal artery aneurysms are the most common peripheral artery aneurysms, comprising 70% to 85% of the total aneurysms in the periphery. More than 95% of peripheral artery aneurysms occur in males, and the average age of patients at presentation is 65 years. At the time of presentation, approximately 50% to 85% of popliteal artery aneurysms are symptomatic, and most are 3 cm to 4 cm in diameter. The most common symptoms at presentation are lower-extremity ischemia and compression of adjacent structures. Twenty-five percent to 55% of patients presenting with popliteal artery aneurysms have associated thrombosis and 6% to 25% have evidence of distal emboli. Claudication is present in 4% to 40% of this patient population. Rupture of popliteal artery aneurysms is uncommon, occurring in only 2% to 7% of patients, and even when rupture does occur, mortality is rare. However, limb-threatening ischemia associated with rupture results in a 50% to 70% amputation rate. Aneurysm size plays less of a role in the decision to treat popliteal artery aneurysms compared to aneurysms in other locations, such as the abdominal aorta. This is because the major morbidity from popliteal artery aneurysms is due to thromboembolism rather than rupture. Thus, symptomatic aneurysms require repair regardless of size. Long-term graft patency rates directly correlate with preoperative ischemic symptoms. Asymptomatic patients develop ischemic symptoms between 18% and 31% of the time, which accounts for the majority of the 2% to 13% of this population that eventually required amputation. Several studies have suggested that these aneurysms have a higher rate of thromboembolism than larger aneurysms.
  • #4 Popliteal artery aneurysm | Radiology Reference Article | Radiopaedia.org
    https://radiopaedia.org/articles/popliteal-artery-aneurysm?lang=us
    Popliteal artery aneurysms are the most common peripheral arterial aneurysm and the second most common aneurysm after abdominal aortic aneurysms. […] Clinical presentation includes asymptomatic incidental finding, pulsatile mass, and may present with complications. […] Symptomatic aneurysms are treated. Asymptomatic aneurysms 2 cm in diameter are also considered for elective treatment. […] Complications include distal thromboembolism (commonest: occurs in 18-31% of untreated cases), rupture (rare), and pressure effects if large enough.
  • #5 Popliteal Artery Aneurysms – Endovascular Today
    https://evtoday.com/articles/2003-nov/1103_08.html
    Popliteal artery aneurysms are the most common peripheral artery aneurysms, comprising 70% to 85% of the total aneurysms in the periphery. More than 95% of peripheral artery aneurysms occur in males, and the average age of patients at presentation is 65 years. At the time of presentation, approximately 50% to 85% of popliteal artery aneurysms are symptomatic, and most are 3 cm to 4 cm in diameter. The most common symptoms at presentation are lower-extremity ischemia and compression of adjacent structures. Twenty-five percent to 55% of patients presenting with popliteal artery aneurysms have associated thrombosis and 6% to 25% have evidence of distal emboli. Claudication is present in 4% to 40% of this patient population. Rupture of popliteal artery aneurysms is uncommon, occurring in only 2% to 7% of patients, and even when rupture does occur, mortality is rare. However, limb-threatening ischemia associated with rupture results in a 50% to 70% amputation rate. Aneurysm size plays less of a role in the decision to treat popliteal artery aneurysms compared to aneurysms in other locations, such as the abdominal aorta. This is because the major morbidity from popliteal artery aneurysms is due to thromboembolism rather than rupture. Thus, symptomatic aneurysms require repair regardless of size. Long-term graft patency rates directly correlate with preoperative ischemic symptoms. Asymptomatic patients develop ischemic symptoms between 18% and 31% of the time, which accounts for the majority of the 2% to 13% of this population that eventually required amputation. Several studies have suggested that these aneurysms have a higher rate of thromboembolism than larger aneurysms.
  • #6 Peripheral Aneurysm Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
    https://www.upmc.com/services/heart-vascular/conditions/peripheral-aneurysm
    Popliteal artery aneurysms are rare and occur more frequently in men than women. […] Leg peripheral aneurysms symptoms include: Sudden leg pain. Weakness or numbness in your leg. Painful or discolored toes. […] Peripheral aneurysm outcomes are generally positive if you get treated before your aneurysm bursts. If your aneurysm is symptomatic or ruptures, your prognosis may be worse. Your surgeon will discuss your specific situation and expected results.
  • #7 What are the Symptoms & Causes of a Popliteal Aneurysm?
    https://legsmatter.org/information-and-support/health-concerns/popliteal-aneurysm/
    Popliteal aneurysms are relatively uncommon, with nearly half of the patients showing no clear symptoms (asymptomatic) at the time of diagnosis. […] The most frequent catastrophic complication is the acute ischaemia leading to irreversible nerve damage and gangrene (due to the lack of oxygen the nerves and muscles in the leg). This may inevitably lead to limb loss and/or life threatening sepsis and multi-organ failure. […] Where the popliteal aneurysm presents as an emergency due to a shortage of blood to the leg. Regardless of the size, it should be treated as high risk to prevent the possible amputation of the lower leg.
  • #8 Popliteal Aneurysms | ANZSVS
    https://anzsvs.org.au/patient-information/popliteal-aneurysms/
    Popliteal aneurysms can burst (rupture) but this is a much less common complication than embolisation. […] Sometimes popliteal aneurysms can suddenly block off and obstruct blood flow to the lower leg and foot. […] On other occasions this acute blockage can cause severe ischaemia (shortage of blood) resulting in a threatened limb which if not successfully treated within 6-12 hours will require amputation. […] In these patients there is usually severe pain in the leg associated with tingling or numbness, poor movements or paralysis and pallor or paleness of the leg. […] Popliteal aneurysms may present acutely (as an emergency) or electively at a planned outpatient appointment. […] Symptomatic aneurysms may present with symptoms due to shortage of blood to the leg, such as claudication, but the patient and referring doctor may be unaware that they are related to a popliteal aneurysm. […] Approximately 45% of popliteal aneurysms are asymptomatic.
  • #9 Popliteal artery aneurysm – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/popliteal-artery-aneurysm/symptoms-causes/syc-20355432
    You might not notice any symptoms. The first symptom may be pain in the lower leg that occurs with walking, called claudication. Other symptoms of a popliteal artery aneurysm include: […] Complications of popliteal artery aneurysm include blood clots. Blood clots can cause a severe lack of blood flow in the lower leg. […] A severe lack of blood flow can cause the following symptoms: A change in skin color in the affected area. No pulse behind the knee. Skin in the affected area feels cold. Numbness in the leg. Inability to move the foot. […] A severe lack of blood flow may result in loss of the limb. Rarely, the aneurysm may rupture. But the risk of popliteal artery aneurysm rupture is low.
  • #10 Popliteal artery aneurysm | Beacon Health System
    https://www.beaconhealthsystem.org/library/diseases-and-conditions/popliteal-artery-aneurysm?content_id=CON-20248747
    You might not notice any symptoms. The first symptom may be pain in the lower leg that occurs with walking, called claudication. Other symptoms of a popliteal artery aneurysm include: Knee pain. Lower leg pain. Swelling behind the knee. Pulsing feeling behind the knee. […] A severe lack of blood flow can cause the following symptoms: A change in skin color in the affected area. No pulse behind the knee. Skin in the affected area feels cold. Numbness in the leg. Inability to move the foot. […] A severe lack of blood flow may result in loss of the limb. Rarely, the aneurysm may rupture. But the risk of popliteal artery aneurysm rupture is low.
  • #11 Mayo Clinic Health Library – Popliteal artery aneurysm | Swiss Medical Network
    https://www.swissmedical.net/en/healtcare-library/con-20248747
    You might not notice any symptoms. The first symptom may be pain in the lower leg that occurs with walking, called claudication. Other symptoms of a popliteal artery aneurysm include: […] Knee pain. […] Lower leg pain. […] Swelling behind the knee. […] Pulsing feeling behind the knee. […] Complications of popliteal artery aneurysm include blood clots. Blood clots can cause a severe lack of blood flow in the lower leg. […] A severe lack of blood flow can cause the following symptoms: […] A change in skin color in the affected area. […] No pulse behind the knee. […] Skin in the affected area feels cold. […] Numbness in the leg. […] Inability to move the foot. […] A severe lack of blood flow may result in loss of the limb. Rarely, the aneurysm may rupture. But the risk of popliteal artery aneurysm rupture is low.
  • #12 Health Information Library | Rumah Sakit Pusat Pertamina
    https://rspp.co.id/dcontent.html?id=CON-20248747&n=Popliteal%20artery%20aneurysm
    A popliteal artery aneurysm is an irregular bulge that occurs in the wall of the artery located behind the knee joint. It is a type of lower extremity aneurysm. […] You might not notice any symptoms. The first symptom may be pain in the lower leg that occurs with walking, called claudication. Other symptoms of a popliteal artery aneurysm include: Knee pain. Lower leg pain. Swelling behind the knee. Pulsing feeling behind the knee. […] Complications of popliteal artery aneurysm include blood clots. Blood clots can cause a severe lack of blood flow in the lower leg. A severe lack of blood flow can cause the following symptoms: A change in skin color in the affected area. No pulse behind the knee. Skin in the affected area feels cold. Numbness in the leg. Inability to move the foot. […] A severe lack of blood flow may result in loss of the limb. Rarely, the aneurysm may rupture. But the risk of popliteal artery aneurysm rupture is low.
  • #13 Popliteal artery aneurysm // Middlesex Health
    https://middlesexhealth.org/learning-center/diseases-and-conditions/popliteal-artery-aneurysm
    You might not notice any symptoms. The first symptom may be pain in the lower leg that occurs with walking, called claudication. Other symptoms of a popliteal artery aneurysm include: Knee pain. Lower leg pain. Swelling behind the knee. Pulsing feeling behind the knee. […] Complications of popliteal artery aneurysm include blood clots. Blood clots can cause a severe lack of blood flow in the lower leg. A severe lack of blood flow can cause the following symptoms: A change in skin color in the affected area. No pulse behind the knee. Skin in the affected area feels cold. Numbness in the leg. Inability to move the foot. A severe lack of blood flow may result in loss of the limb. Rarely, the aneurysm may rupture. But the risk of popliteal artery aneurysm rupture is low.
  • #14 Popliteal Artery Aneurysm | Symptoms And Causes
    https://frontiervascular.com/popliteal-artery-aneurysm-revealed/
    Popliteal artery aneurysms can be due to atherosclerotic plaques, a build-up of plaque at the internal walls of the artery, or by way of a connective tissue ailment including Marfan syndrome or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. […] Popliteal artery aneurysms are more common in men and older adults, and they may no sign appear at the start. however, as popliteal artery aneurysms grow larger, popliteal aneurysms can compress the encircling nerves and vessels, leading to aches, numbness, and tingling within the lower limbs and foot. […] A popliteal artery aneurysms may not cause any noticeable symptoms. The first symptom may be lower leg pain that occurs with walking (claudication). […] Other signs and symptoms of artery aneurysms include: Knee pain. Lower limb pain. Swelling behind the knee. Pulsating feeling behind the knee.
  • #15
    https://www.paducahvascular.com/popliteal-artery-aneurysm
    The popliteal artery is the artery behind your knee. […] Symptoms may include a pulsatile mass behind the knee, pain in the leg, or signs of embolization (cold, blue, painful toe or toes) or rupture (sudden, severe pain behind the knee). […] So, it’s important to diagnose a popliteal artery aneurysm before it causes symptoms.
  • #16 Popliteal Artery Aneurysm (PAA) • Vascular Health PartnersCall
    https://vhp.communitycare.com/services/popliteal-artery-aneurysm-paa/
    Popliteal artery aneurysms occur in the arteries of the legs behind the knee. PAAs usually do not rupture. Instead, a clot forms and blocks blood flow to the lower leg. If this occurs, bypass surgery is necessary for the preservation of the leg. Without immediate surgery, the leg could be lost requiring amputation. […] Signs & Symptoms of Popliteal Artery Aneurysm: A pulsation felt behind the knee. Sores or discoloration of the toes. Sudden onset of leg pain, numbness, and tingling.
  • #17 Popliteal Artery Aneurysm – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/books/NBK430863/
    Popliteal artery aneurysms occur when the diameter of the popliteal artery undergoes focal dilation, exceeding 50% of its normal range, which typically varies from 0.7 to 1.1 cm. […] Most commonly, popliteal artery aneurysms are asymptomatic. If patients exhibit chronic symptoms, these are usually secondary to mass effect and compression of adjacent structures, such as the tibial nerve, which causes leg pain or paresthesias. […] When an aneurysm acutely thromboses, the most common symptoms are acute lower extremity ischemia resulting in the acute onset of pain, paresthesias, paresis, pallor, and poikilothermia due to either aneurysmal intraluminal thrombosis or distal embolization of thrombus. […] Approximately 30% of untreated patients experience acute thrombosis and distal embolization with the risk of possible limb loss.
  • #18 Open Repair of a Giant Popliteal Artery Aneurysm Presenting with Nerve Compression Symptoms
    https://www.vsijournal.org/journal/view.html?uid=1196&vmd=Full
    Popliteal artery aneurysm (PAA) is a rare vascular disease, especially in women, and presents with various symptoms, ranging from being asymptomatic to rupture or acute life-threatening ischemia. […] Typically, PAA may be the finding of a prominent pulsatile popliteal mass, and compression of the nerve or vein by an enlarging PAA may cause numbness, pain, and edema. […] Compression related symptoms, such as numbness, pain, and edema, may occur if nerve and venous tissues are compressed by an enlarging giant popliteal aneurysm in a relatively small compartment. […] Neurological symptoms of in the lower limbs can arise from several different mechanism and causes compressed by a peripheral aneurysm and hematoma. […] However, some patients may present with symptoms of compression (swelling of the leg caused by venous thrombosis and neurological disturbance) involving a vein or nerve as result of the mass effect associated with giant popliteal aneurysm. […] This report documents a rare case of leg numbness/weakness due to PAA formation and the effectiveness of classical arterial bypass surgery in relieving compression symptoms in an elderly woman.
  • #19 Popliteal Artery Aneurysm | Symptoms And Causes
    https://frontiervascular.com/popliteal-artery-aneurysm-revealed/
    Popliteal arterial aneurysms can cause several complications, including: Blood clots: A clot can shape inside the peripheral artery aneurysms, leading to a blockage of vessels to the lower legs and foot. this could cause acute ischemic limb, tissue harm, and even gangrene. […] Nerve compression: because artery aneurysms (PAA) grow larger, it may compress the surrounding nerves, leading to pain, numbness, and tingling within the lower limbs and foot. […] Early detection and treatment can assist save you from complications and enhance outcomes.
  • #20 Popliteal artery aneurysm – Wikipedia
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Popliteal_artery_aneurysm
    A popliteal artery aneurysm (PAA) is a bulging (aneurysm) of the popliteal artery. A PAA is diagnosed when a focal dilation greater than 50% of the normal vessel diameter is found (the normal diameter of a popliteal artery is 0.7-1.1 cm). PAAs are most often asymptomatic. Chronic symptoms are most often secondary to the mass effect exerted upon adjoining structures by the aneurysm (e.g. pain and paresthesias due to tibial nerve compression, calf swelling due to compression of the popliteal vein). Thrombosis within the aneurysm and subsequent luminal narrowing may result in claudication of gradual onset, while an acute thrombosis (occluding the vessel at the side of the aneurysm or lodging distally as the vessel narrows) may lead to acute lower extremity ischaemia and associated symptomatology (pain, paresthesia, paresis, pallor, poikilothermia). Untreated, some 30% of those affected develop acute thrombosis and distal embolization, risking potential limb loss. In cases with acute thrombosis/embolism, amputation rate is 15%. […] A PAA seldom presents with a size greater than 5cm, as symptoms typically develop before the aneurysm reaches such a size. Unlike aneurysms elsewhere in the body, the typical course of PAAs is to embolize and produce ischaemia, rather than to progress to rupture.
  • #21 Open Repair of a Giant Popliteal Artery Aneurysm Presenting with Nerve Compression Symptoms
    https://www.vsijournal.org/journal/view.html?uid=1196&vmd=Full
    Popliteal artery aneurysm (PAA) is a rare vascular disease, especially in women, and presents with various symptoms, ranging from being asymptomatic to rupture or acute life-threatening ischemia. […] Typically, PAA may be the finding of a prominent pulsatile popliteal mass, and compression of the nerve or vein by an enlarging PAA may cause numbness, pain, and edema. […] Compression related symptoms, such as numbness, pain, and edema, may occur if nerve and venous tissues are compressed by an enlarging giant popliteal aneurysm in a relatively small compartment. […] Neurological symptoms of in the lower limbs can arise from several different mechanism and causes compressed by a peripheral aneurysm and hematoma. […] However, some patients may present with symptoms of compression (swelling of the leg caused by venous thrombosis and neurological disturbance) involving a vein or nerve as result of the mass effect associated with giant popliteal aneurysm. […] This report documents a rare case of leg numbness/weakness due to PAA formation and the effectiveness of classical arterial bypass surgery in relieving compression symptoms in an elderly woman.
  • #22 Open Repair of a Giant Popliteal Artery Aneurysm Presenting with Nerve Compression Symptoms
    https://www.vsijournal.org/journal/view.html?uid=1196&vmd=Full
    Popliteal artery aneurysm (PAA) is a rare vascular disease, especially in women, and presents with various symptoms, ranging from being asymptomatic to rupture or acute life-threatening ischemia. […] Typically, PAA may be the finding of a prominent pulsatile popliteal mass, and compression of the nerve or vein by an enlarging PAA may cause numbness, pain, and edema. […] Compression related symptoms, such as numbness, pain, and edema, may occur if nerve and venous tissues are compressed by an enlarging giant popliteal aneurysm in a relatively small compartment. […] Neurological symptoms of in the lower limbs can arise from several different mechanism and causes compressed by a peripheral aneurysm and hematoma. […] However, some patients may present with symptoms of compression (swelling of the leg caused by venous thrombosis and neurological disturbance) involving a vein or nerve as result of the mass effect associated with giant popliteal aneurysm. […] This report documents a rare case of leg numbness/weakness due to PAA formation and the effectiveness of classical arterial bypass surgery in relieving compression symptoms in an elderly woman.
  • #23 Popliteal Artery Aneurysm | Symptoms And Causes
    https://frontiervascular.com/popliteal-artery-aneurysm-revealed/
    Popliteal artery aneurysms can be due to atherosclerotic plaques, a build-up of plaque at the internal walls of the artery, or by way of a connective tissue ailment including Marfan syndrome or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. […] Popliteal artery aneurysms are more common in men and older adults, and they may no sign appear at the start. however, as popliteal artery aneurysms grow larger, popliteal aneurysms can compress the encircling nerves and vessels, leading to aches, numbness, and tingling within the lower limbs and foot. […] A popliteal artery aneurysms may not cause any noticeable symptoms. The first symptom may be lower leg pain that occurs with walking (claudication). […] Other signs and symptoms of artery aneurysms include: Knee pain. Lower limb pain. Swelling behind the knee. Pulsating feeling behind the knee.
  • #24 Popliteal Artery Aneurysms – Endovascular Today
    https://evtoday.com/articles/2003-nov/1103_08.html
    Popliteal artery aneurysms are the most common peripheral artery aneurysms, comprising 70% to 85% of the total aneurysms in the periphery. More than 95% of peripheral artery aneurysms occur in males, and the average age of patients at presentation is 65 years. At the time of presentation, approximately 50% to 85% of popliteal artery aneurysms are symptomatic, and most are 3 cm to 4 cm in diameter. The most common symptoms at presentation are lower-extremity ischemia and compression of adjacent structures. Twenty-five percent to 55% of patients presenting with popliteal artery aneurysms have associated thrombosis and 6% to 25% have evidence of distal emboli. Claudication is present in 4% to 40% of this patient population. Rupture of popliteal artery aneurysms is uncommon, occurring in only 2% to 7% of patients, and even when rupture does occur, mortality is rare. However, limb-threatening ischemia associated with rupture results in a 50% to 70% amputation rate. Aneurysm size plays less of a role in the decision to treat popliteal artery aneurysms compared to aneurysms in other locations, such as the abdominal aorta. This is because the major morbidity from popliteal artery aneurysms is due to thromboembolism rather than rupture. Thus, symptomatic aneurysms require repair regardless of size. Long-term graft patency rates directly correlate with preoperative ischemic symptoms. Asymptomatic patients develop ischemic symptoms between 18% and 31% of the time, which accounts for the majority of the 2% to 13% of this population that eventually required amputation. Several studies have suggested that these aneurysms have a higher rate of thromboembolism than larger aneurysms.
  • #25 Popliteal artery aneurysm – Wikipedia
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Popliteal_artery_aneurysm
    A popliteal artery aneurysm (PAA) is a bulging (aneurysm) of the popliteal artery. A PAA is diagnosed when a focal dilation greater than 50% of the normal vessel diameter is found (the normal diameter of a popliteal artery is 0.7-1.1 cm). PAAs are most often asymptomatic. Chronic symptoms are most often secondary to the mass effect exerted upon adjoining structures by the aneurysm (e.g. pain and paresthesias due to tibial nerve compression, calf swelling due to compression of the popliteal vein). Thrombosis within the aneurysm and subsequent luminal narrowing may result in claudication of gradual onset, while an acute thrombosis (occluding the vessel at the side of the aneurysm or lodging distally as the vessel narrows) may lead to acute lower extremity ischaemia and associated symptomatology (pain, paresthesia, paresis, pallor, poikilothermia). Untreated, some 30% of those affected develop acute thrombosis and distal embolization, risking potential limb loss. In cases with acute thrombosis/embolism, amputation rate is 15%. […] A PAA seldom presents with a size greater than 5cm, as symptoms typically develop before the aneurysm reaches such a size. Unlike aneurysms elsewhere in the body, the typical course of PAAs is to embolize and produce ischaemia, rather than to progress to rupture.
  • #26 Popliteal Artery Aneurysm – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/books/NBK430863/
    Popliteal artery aneurysms occur when the diameter of the popliteal artery undergoes focal dilation, exceeding 50% of its normal range, which typically varies from 0.7 to 1.1 cm. […] Most commonly, popliteal artery aneurysms are asymptomatic. If patients exhibit chronic symptoms, these are usually secondary to mass effect and compression of adjacent structures, such as the tibial nerve, which causes leg pain or paresthesias. […] When an aneurysm acutely thromboses, the most common symptoms are acute lower extremity ischemia resulting in the acute onset of pain, paresthesias, paresis, pallor, and poikilothermia due to either aneurysmal intraluminal thrombosis or distal embolization of thrombus. […] Approximately 30% of untreated patients experience acute thrombosis and distal embolization with the risk of possible limb loss.
  • #27 Popliteal Aneurysms – Vascular Society of Aotearoa New Zealand
    https://vascular-society.nz/popliteal-aneurysms/
    Popliteal aneurysms can burst (rupture) but this is a much less common complication than embolisation. […] Sometimes popliteal aneurysms can suddenly block off and obstruct blood flow to the lower leg and foot. […] On other occasions this acute blockage can cause severe ischaemia (shortage of blood) resulting in a threatened limb which if not successfully treated within 6-12 hours will require amputation. […] Popliteal aneurysms may present acutely (as an emergency) or electively at a planned outpatient appointment. […] Symptomatic aneurysms may present with symptoms due to shortage of blood to the leg, such as claudication, but the patient and referring doctor may be unaware that they are related to a popliteal aneurysm. […] Approximately 45% of popliteal aneurysms are asymptomatic.
  • #28 Popliteal Aneurysms – Vascular Society of Aotearoa New Zealand
    https://vascular-society.nz/popliteal-aneurysms/
    Popliteal aneurysms can burst (rupture) but this is a much less common complication than embolisation. […] Sometimes popliteal aneurysms can suddenly block off and obstruct blood flow to the lower leg and foot. […] On other occasions this acute blockage can cause severe ischaemia (shortage of blood) resulting in a threatened limb which if not successfully treated within 6-12 hours will require amputation. […] Popliteal aneurysms may present acutely (as an emergency) or electively at a planned outpatient appointment. […] Symptomatic aneurysms may present with symptoms due to shortage of blood to the leg, such as claudication, but the patient and referring doctor may be unaware that they are related to a popliteal aneurysm. […] Approximately 45% of popliteal aneurysms are asymptomatic.
  • #29 Popliteal Aneurysms – Vascular Society of Aotearoa New Zealand
    https://vascular-society.nz/popliteal-aneurysms/
    If a fragment of blood clot breaks away from the aneurysm, then it can be propelled by the blood flow into smaller arteries downstream in the calf or foot. […] The risk of developing complications from a popliteal aneurysm is possibly 30-50% over 3-5 years, but this will depend on the size of the aneurysm.
  • #30 Popliteal Artery Aneurysm | Symptoms And Causes
    https://frontiervascular.com/popliteal-artery-aneurysm/
    Popliteal artery aneurysms are more common in men and older adults, and there may be no signs appearing at the start. however, as popliteal artery aneurysms grow larger, popliteal aneurysms can compress the encircling nerves and vessels, leading to aches, numbness, and tingling within the lower limbs and foot. […] In some instances, a clot may also shape in popliteal artery aneurysm and cause a blockage, which can lead to acute limb ischemia and tissue harm. […] Popliteal artery aneurysms can cause a number complications, including: Blood clots: A clot can shape inside the peripheral popliteal artery aneurysms, leading to a blockage of blood vessels to the lower legs and foot. this could cause acute ischemic limb, tissue harm, and even gangrene. […] Nerve compression: because popliteal artery aneurysms(PAA) grow larger, it may compress the surrounding nerves, leading to pain, numbness, and tingling within the lower leg and foot.
  • #31 Popliteal Artery Aneurysm – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/books/NBK430863/
    Popliteal artery aneurysms occur when the diameter of the popliteal artery undergoes focal dilation, exceeding 50% of its normal range, which typically varies from 0.7 to 1.1 cm. […] Most commonly, popliteal artery aneurysms are asymptomatic. If patients exhibit chronic symptoms, these are usually secondary to mass effect and compression of adjacent structures, such as the tibial nerve, which causes leg pain or paresthesias. […] When an aneurysm acutely thromboses, the most common symptoms are acute lower extremity ischemia resulting in the acute onset of pain, paresthesias, paresis, pallor, and poikilothermia due to either aneurysmal intraluminal thrombosis or distal embolization of thrombus. […] Approximately 30% of untreated patients experience acute thrombosis and distal embolization with the risk of possible limb loss.
  • #32 Popliteal Aneurysms – Vascular Society of Aotearoa New Zealand
    https://vascular-society.nz/popliteal-aneurysms/
    If a fragment of blood clot breaks away from the aneurysm, then it can be propelled by the blood flow into smaller arteries downstream in the calf or foot. […] The risk of developing complications from a popliteal aneurysm is possibly 30-50% over 3-5 years, but this will depend on the size of the aneurysm.
  • #33 Evaluation, Diagnosis and Management of Popliteal Artery Aneurysms: A Clinical Review | Aguila | Journal of Current Surgery
    https://www.currentsurgery.org/index.php/jcs/article/view/174/120
    Aneurysmal disease of the popliteal artery is more common than historically thought with most of the cases going unrecognized, many times until ischemic symptoms to the leg brings it to the physicians attention. […] The most commonly present incidentally as a pulsatile mass behind the knee on physical exam. Those diagnosed are often patients with significant cardiovascular risk factors and symptoms of chronic occlusive arterial disease. […] A significant proportion of patients with PAA are asymptomatic, but the complication rate increases over time with 18 to 33% of PAA eventually developing symptoms of thrombo-embolism or mass effect. Every year 5 – 24% patients develop symptoms while being observed. […] Interestingly, several reports suggest a higher rate of thrombosis in smaller aneurysms compared to large ones.
  • #34 Popliteal artery aneurysm – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/popliteal-artery-aneurysm/symptoms-causes/syc-20355432
    You might not notice any symptoms. The first symptom may be pain in the lower leg that occurs with walking, called claudication. Other symptoms of a popliteal artery aneurysm include: […] Complications of popliteal artery aneurysm include blood clots. Blood clots can cause a severe lack of blood flow in the lower leg. […] A severe lack of blood flow can cause the following symptoms: A change in skin color in the affected area. No pulse behind the knee. Skin in the affected area feels cold. Numbness in the leg. Inability to move the foot. […] A severe lack of blood flow may result in loss of the limb. Rarely, the aneurysm may rupture. But the risk of popliteal artery aneurysm rupture is low.
  • #35 Popliteal Artery Aneurysm – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/books/NBK430863/
    Popliteal artery aneurysms occur when the diameter of the popliteal artery undergoes focal dilation, exceeding 50% of its normal range, which typically varies from 0.7 to 1.1 cm. […] Most commonly, popliteal artery aneurysms are asymptomatic. If patients exhibit chronic symptoms, these are usually secondary to mass effect and compression of adjacent structures, such as the tibial nerve, which causes leg pain or paresthesias. […] When an aneurysm acutely thromboses, the most common symptoms are acute lower extremity ischemia resulting in the acute onset of pain, paresthesias, paresis, pallor, and poikilothermia due to either aneurysmal intraluminal thrombosis or distal embolization of thrombus. […] Approximately 30% of untreated patients experience acute thrombosis and distal embolization with the risk of possible limb loss.
  • #36 Aneurysm – Knowledge @ AMBOSS
    https://www.amboss.com/us/knowledge/aneurysm/
    Most patients present with an asymptomatic mass in the popliteal fossa (bilateral in 50% of cases). […] If symptomatic, knee pain, 6 Ps of acute limb ischemia, and signs and/or symptoms of chronic peripheral artery disease may occur. […] The symptoms of a popliteal artery aneurysm may be similar to those of atherosclerotic peripheral vascular disease. […] The decision to repair is multifactorial and depends on aneurysm size, thromboembolic risk, perioperative risk assessment, and the patient’s life expectancy. […] Indications include: diameter 2 cm, presence of thrombus and/or suspicion of embolism, and distal arterial insufficiency. […] Acute limb ischemia and possible loss of limb, chronic thrombus and/or distal embolization, e.g., blue toe syndrome, and rupture (rare) are potential complications.
  • #37 Popliteal Aneurysms | ANZSVS
    https://anzsvs.org.au/patient-information/popliteal-aneurysms/
    Popliteal aneurysms can burst (rupture) but this is a much less common complication than embolisation. […] Sometimes popliteal aneurysms can suddenly block off and obstruct blood flow to the lower leg and foot. […] On other occasions this acute blockage can cause severe ischaemia (shortage of blood) resulting in a threatened limb which if not successfully treated within 6-12 hours will require amputation. […] In these patients there is usually severe pain in the leg associated with tingling or numbness, poor movements or paralysis and pallor or paleness of the leg. […] Popliteal aneurysms may present acutely (as an emergency) or electively at a planned outpatient appointment. […] Symptomatic aneurysms may present with symptoms due to shortage of blood to the leg, such as claudication, but the patient and referring doctor may be unaware that they are related to a popliteal aneurysm. […] Approximately 45% of popliteal aneurysms are asymptomatic.
  • #38 Mayo Clinic Health Library – Popliteal artery aneurysm | Swiss Medical Network
    https://www.swissmedical.net/en/healtcare-library/con-20248747
    You might not notice any symptoms. The first symptom may be pain in the lower leg that occurs with walking, called claudication. Other symptoms of a popliteal artery aneurysm include: […] Knee pain. […] Lower leg pain. […] Swelling behind the knee. […] Pulsing feeling behind the knee. […] Complications of popliteal artery aneurysm include blood clots. Blood clots can cause a severe lack of blood flow in the lower leg. […] A severe lack of blood flow can cause the following symptoms: […] A change in skin color in the affected area. […] No pulse behind the knee. […] Skin in the affected area feels cold. […] Numbness in the leg. […] Inability to move the foot. […] A severe lack of blood flow may result in loss of the limb. Rarely, the aneurysm may rupture. But the risk of popliteal artery aneurysm rupture is low.
  • #39
    https://www.paducahvascular.com/popliteal-artery-aneurysm
    The popliteal artery is the artery behind your knee. […] Symptoms may include a pulsatile mass behind the knee, pain in the leg, or signs of embolization (cold, blue, painful toe or toes) or rupture (sudden, severe pain behind the knee). […] So, it’s important to diagnose a popliteal artery aneurysm before it causes symptoms.
  • #40 Popliteal artery aneurysm | Beacon Health System
    https://www.beaconhealthsystem.org/library/diseases-and-conditions/popliteal-artery-aneurysm?content_id=CON-20248747
    You might not notice any symptoms. The first symptom may be pain in the lower leg that occurs with walking, called claudication. Other symptoms of a popliteal artery aneurysm include: Knee pain. Lower leg pain. Swelling behind the knee. Pulsing feeling behind the knee. […] A severe lack of blood flow can cause the following symptoms: A change in skin color in the affected area. No pulse behind the knee. Skin in the affected area feels cold. Numbness in the leg. Inability to move the foot. […] A severe lack of blood flow may result in loss of the limb. Rarely, the aneurysm may rupture. But the risk of popliteal artery aneurysm rupture is low.
  • #41 Leg Aneurysms |Symptoms and Treatment | MedStar Health
    https://www.medstarhealth.org/services/leg-aneurysms
    Many leg aneurysms are small and do not cause symptoms. When symptoms develop, its usually because a blood clot has formed or the aneurysm is compressing nearby structures. At this point, you may experience: […] Coldness in your foot […] Discoloration of the leg or foot […] Pain in your leg or foot […] Pulsating mass along a blood vessel […] Swelling in the leg or foot […] Tingling or numbness.
  • #42 Health Information Library | Rumah Sakit Pusat Pertamina
    https://rspp.co.id/dcontent.html?id=CON-20248747&n=Popliteal%20artery%20aneurysm
    A popliteal artery aneurysm is an irregular bulge that occurs in the wall of the artery located behind the knee joint. It is a type of lower extremity aneurysm. […] You might not notice any symptoms. The first symptom may be pain in the lower leg that occurs with walking, called claudication. Other symptoms of a popliteal artery aneurysm include: Knee pain. Lower leg pain. Swelling behind the knee. Pulsing feeling behind the knee. […] Complications of popliteal artery aneurysm include blood clots. Blood clots can cause a severe lack of blood flow in the lower leg. A severe lack of blood flow can cause the following symptoms: A change in skin color in the affected area. No pulse behind the knee. Skin in the affected area feels cold. Numbness in the leg. Inability to move the foot. […] A severe lack of blood flow may result in loss of the limb. Rarely, the aneurysm may rupture. But the risk of popliteal artery aneurysm rupture is low.
  • #43 Mayo Clinic Health Library – Popliteal artery aneurysm | Swiss Medical Network
    https://www.swissmedical.net/en/healtcare-library/con-20248747
    You might not notice any symptoms. The first symptom may be pain in the lower leg that occurs with walking, called claudication. Other symptoms of a popliteal artery aneurysm include: […] Knee pain. […] Lower leg pain. […] Swelling behind the knee. […] Pulsing feeling behind the knee. […] Complications of popliteal artery aneurysm include blood clots. Blood clots can cause a severe lack of blood flow in the lower leg. […] A severe lack of blood flow can cause the following symptoms: […] A change in skin color in the affected area. […] No pulse behind the knee. […] Skin in the affected area feels cold. […] Numbness in the leg. […] Inability to move the foot. […] A severe lack of blood flow may result in loss of the limb. Rarely, the aneurysm may rupture. But the risk of popliteal artery aneurysm rupture is low.
  • #44 Aneurysm – Knowledge @ AMBOSS
    https://www.amboss.com/us/knowledge/aneurysm/
    Most patients present with an asymptomatic mass in the popliteal fossa (bilateral in 50% of cases). […] If symptomatic, knee pain, 6 Ps of acute limb ischemia, and signs and/or symptoms of chronic peripheral artery disease may occur. […] The symptoms of a popliteal artery aneurysm may be similar to those of atherosclerotic peripheral vascular disease. […] The decision to repair is multifactorial and depends on aneurysm size, thromboembolic risk, perioperative risk assessment, and the patient’s life expectancy. […] Indications include: diameter 2 cm, presence of thrombus and/or suspicion of embolism, and distal arterial insufficiency. […] Acute limb ischemia and possible loss of limb, chronic thrombus and/or distal embolization, e.g., blue toe syndrome, and rupture (rare) are potential complications.
  • #45 What Is Popliteal Artery Aneurysm?
    https://www.icliniq.com/articles/orthopedic-health/popliteal-artery-aneurysms
    Popliteal artery aneurysms are a rare type of lower extremity aneurysms, increasing the risk of limb loss and morbidity. […] The symptoms of a popliteal artery aneurysm include the following: Pain behind the knee. Edema (collection of fluid) in the lower leg. Non-healing ulcers on the feet. Pulsing sensation behind the knee. Foot pain. Paresthesias (abnormal tickling or pricking sensation). Paresis (partial paralysis or weakness). Pallor (unusual lightness of skin complexion). Poikilothermia (poorly regulated body temperature). Claudication (cramping pain in the lower leg). Gangrene (tissue death). […] Popliteal artery aneurysms may burst and cause uncontrolled bleeding and blood clots, which are life-threatening. […] The prognosis is poor for patients with ruptured aneurysms.
  • #46 Aneurysm – Knowledge @ AMBOSS
    https://www.amboss.com/us/knowledge/aneurysm/
    Most patients present with an asymptomatic mass in the popliteal fossa (bilateral in 50% of cases). […] If symptomatic, knee pain, 6 Ps of acute limb ischemia, and signs and/or symptoms of chronic peripheral artery disease may occur. […] The symptoms of a popliteal artery aneurysm may be similar to those of atherosclerotic peripheral vascular disease. […] The decision to repair is multifactorial and depends on aneurysm size, thromboembolic risk, perioperative risk assessment, and the patient’s life expectancy. […] Indications include: diameter 2 cm, presence of thrombus and/or suspicion of embolism, and distal arterial insufficiency. […] Acute limb ischemia and possible loss of limb, chronic thrombus and/or distal embolization, e.g., blue toe syndrome, and rupture (rare) are potential complications.
  • #47 Thrombosed Popliteal Aneurysm – MD Searchlight
    https://mdsearchlight.com/health/thrombosed-popliteal-aneurysm/
    When this condition occurs, the chances of losing the limb vary greatly among various reports, but some say it could be as high as 20 to 60%. That being said, most recent studies suggest an incidence of about 14 to 17%. However, theres some positive news: due to improvements in medical techniques and the use of blood clot-dissolving drugs, several recent studies show encouraging long-term results. Approximately 68 to 80% of patients experience effective blood flow through their bypass grafts five years after the procedure, and more than 95% successfully save their limbs after urgent revascularization (a procedure to restore blood flow). […] If a person has a popliteal artery clotknown medically as Acute Limb Ischemia (ALI)there is a roughly 14 to 17% chance of losing the affected limb. This situation may also lead to a condition known as compartment syndrome that causes pain and swelling in an enclosed area, like a limb. The limb could suffer from lack of blood flow, making the symptoms of the compartment syndrome less noticeable but no less dangerous.
  • #48 Popliteal Artery Aneurysms – Endovascular Today
    https://evtoday.com/articles/2003-nov/1103_08.html
    Popliteal artery aneurysms are the most common peripheral artery aneurysms, comprising 70% to 85% of the total aneurysms in the periphery. More than 95% of peripheral artery aneurysms occur in males, and the average age of patients at presentation is 65 years. At the time of presentation, approximately 50% to 85% of popliteal artery aneurysms are symptomatic, and most are 3 cm to 4 cm in diameter. The most common symptoms at presentation are lower-extremity ischemia and compression of adjacent structures. Twenty-five percent to 55% of patients presenting with popliteal artery aneurysms have associated thrombosis and 6% to 25% have evidence of distal emboli. Claudication is present in 4% to 40% of this patient population. Rupture of popliteal artery aneurysms is uncommon, occurring in only 2% to 7% of patients, and even when rupture does occur, mortality is rare. However, limb-threatening ischemia associated with rupture results in a 50% to 70% amputation rate. Aneurysm size plays less of a role in the decision to treat popliteal artery aneurysms compared to aneurysms in other locations, such as the abdominal aorta. This is because the major morbidity from popliteal artery aneurysms is due to thromboembolism rather than rupture. Thus, symptomatic aneurysms require repair regardless of size. Long-term graft patency rates directly correlate with preoperative ischemic symptoms. Asymptomatic patients develop ischemic symptoms between 18% and 31% of the time, which accounts for the majority of the 2% to 13% of this population that eventually required amputation. Several studies have suggested that these aneurysms have a higher rate of thromboembolism than larger aneurysms.
  • #49 What are the Symptoms & Causes of a Popliteal Aneurysm?
    https://legsmatter.org/information-and-support/health-concerns/popliteal-aneurysm/
    Popliteal aneurysms are relatively uncommon, with nearly half of the patients showing no clear symptoms (asymptomatic) at the time of diagnosis. […] The most frequent catastrophic complication is the acute ischaemia leading to irreversible nerve damage and gangrene (due to the lack of oxygen the nerves and muscles in the leg). This may inevitably lead to limb loss and/or life threatening sepsis and multi-organ failure. […] Where the popliteal aneurysm presents as an emergency due to a shortage of blood to the leg. Regardless of the size, it should be treated as high risk to prevent the possible amputation of the lower leg.
  • #50 Popliteal Artery Aneurysm – Treatment and Symptoms | Apollo Hospitals
    https://www.apollohospitals.com/diseases-and-conditions/popliteal-artery-aneurysm-treatment-and-symptoms
    Popliteal artery aneurysms can cause irreparable nerve damage and gangrene (due to a lack of oxygen to the nerves and muscles in the leg), resulting in limb loss and life-threatening sepsis, and multi-organ failure, if left untreated. […] Many popliteal aneurysms go undetected. Symptoms that are common include, pain at the back of the knee, lower leg edema (swelling due to fluid retention), injuries to the feet, unhealed ulcers on the soles of the feet. […] When a popliteal aneurysm causes a blood deficit in the leg, it presents an emergency. It should be treated as a high-risk wound regardless of its size to avoid amputation of the lower leg. […] The prognosis for people who have a ruptured popliteal artery aneurysm is typically unfavorable. Limb amputation is a common event. Amputations can take place above or below the knee.
  • #51 Popliteal Aneurysms | ANZSVS
    https://anzsvs.org.au/patient-information/popliteal-aneurysms/
    Popliteal aneurysms can burst (rupture) but this is a much less common complication than embolisation. […] Sometimes popliteal aneurysms can suddenly block off and obstruct blood flow to the lower leg and foot. […] On other occasions this acute blockage can cause severe ischaemia (shortage of blood) resulting in a threatened limb which if not successfully treated within 6-12 hours will require amputation. […] In these patients there is usually severe pain in the leg associated with tingling or numbness, poor movements or paralysis and pallor or paleness of the leg. […] Popliteal aneurysms may present acutely (as an emergency) or electively at a planned outpatient appointment. […] Symptomatic aneurysms may present with symptoms due to shortage of blood to the leg, such as claudication, but the patient and referring doctor may be unaware that they are related to a popliteal aneurysm. […] Approximately 45% of popliteal aneurysms are asymptomatic.
  • #52 Popliteal Arterial Aneurysm Endovascular Repair
    https://www.sydneyvascularsurgery.com.au/popliteal-arterial-aneurysm-endovascular-repair.html
    Popliteal aneurysms may not cause any symptoms or you may experience symptoms such as edema (swelling) in the lower leg, pain at the back of your knee, foot pain, and non-healing skin ulcers on the lower legs and feet. […] There is also a risk the aneurysm may continue to enlarge with progressive weakening of the walls of the artery, and although rare, eventually rupture. This in turn can lead to uncontrolled bleeding, which is a life-threatening situation.
  • #53 Popliteal Aneurysm Treatment | UVA Health
    https://uvahealth.com/services/aortic-artery-disease/popliteal-aneurysm
    Pain in your foot or behind your knee? Swelling in your leg? Ulcers on your feet that don’t heal? These could be signs of a popliteal aneurysm. […] A popliteal aneurysm can burst. That can cause life-threatening, uncontrolled bleeding. The aneurysm may also cause a blood clot, which might lead to a leg amputation. […] A popliteal aneurysm is a bulge and weakness in the wall of the popliteal artery, which sends blood to your knee joint, thigh, and calf.
  • #54 Popliteal Artery Aneurysms
    https://vascularinstitute.com/blog/8731/Popliteal-Artery-Aneurysms
    Popliteal artery aneurysm (PAA) is the dilation and thinning of the popliteal artery which can occur at any point in the posterior distal thigh or knee. The onset for PAA is typically insidious and asymptomatic. Occasionally patients will report unilateral pain in the lower leg on ambulation similar to peripheral arterial disease. On physical examination, the affected region may be swollen and erythematous though non-tender. Palpation of the artery may present with more pronounced pulsations when compared to the opposite extremity. Development of a thrombus may be detected by ultrasound, but may also present symptomatically when occlusion becomes significant. Signs include: diminished or absent pulse, pallor of the affected lower extremity, extremity cool to the touch. Rupture of the aneurysm is a rare complication of PAA, with an occurrence of 2-5% according to some sources. This can lead to uncontrollable bleeding in the popliteal space, which presents as a massively swollen leg with anemia on laboratory findings. PAA may be treated surgically or conservatively depending on the clinical presentation. Regardless of whether the aneurysm is symptomatic or not, risk factors should be addressed to mitigate worsening of the condition. Patients who may benefit from surgical aneurysmal repair include those who present with symptoms of acute limb ischemia with aneurysms of any size and those who have aneurysms greater than 2 cm in diameter. For asymptomatic presentations of the disease, regular ultrasound screenings should be planned every 6 to 12 months, with more frequent imaging done in patients with aneurysms greater than 1.7 cm in diameter. While a rare complication of PAA (reported in 2-5% in some sources), rupture of the aneurysm may be life-threatening.
  • #55 Popliteal Artery Aneurysms
    https://vascularinstitute.com/blog/8731/Popliteal-Artery-Aneurysms
    Popliteal artery aneurysm (PAA) is the dilation and thinning of the popliteal artery which can occur at any point in the posterior distal thigh or knee. The onset for PAA is typically insidious and asymptomatic. Occasionally patients will report unilateral pain in the lower leg on ambulation similar to peripheral arterial disease. On physical examination, the affected region may be swollen and erythematous though non-tender. Palpation of the artery may present with more pronounced pulsations when compared to the opposite extremity. Development of a thrombus may be detected by ultrasound, but may also present symptomatically when occlusion becomes significant. Signs include: diminished or absent pulse, pallor of the affected lower extremity, extremity cool to the touch. Rupture of the aneurysm is a rare complication of PAA, with an occurrence of 2-5% according to some sources. This can lead to uncontrollable bleeding in the popliteal space, which presents as a massively swollen leg with anemia on laboratory findings. PAA may be treated surgically or conservatively depending on the clinical presentation. Regardless of whether the aneurysm is symptomatic or not, risk factors should be addressed to mitigate worsening of the condition. Patients who may benefit from surgical aneurysmal repair include those who present with symptoms of acute limb ischemia with aneurysms of any size and those who have aneurysms greater than 2 cm in diameter. For asymptomatic presentations of the disease, regular ultrasound screenings should be planned every 6 to 12 months, with more frequent imaging done in patients with aneurysms greater than 1.7 cm in diameter. While a rare complication of PAA (reported in 2-5% in some sources), rupture of the aneurysm may be life-threatening.
  • #56 Popliteal Artery Aneurysms
    https://vascularinstitute.com/blog/8731/Popliteal-Artery-Aneurysms
    Popliteal artery aneurysm (PAA) is the dilation and thinning of the popliteal artery which can occur at any point in the posterior distal thigh or knee. The onset for PAA is typically insidious and asymptomatic. Occasionally patients will report unilateral pain in the lower leg on ambulation similar to peripheral arterial disease. On physical examination, the affected region may be swollen and erythematous though non-tender. Palpation of the artery may present with more pronounced pulsations when compared to the opposite extremity. Development of a thrombus may be detected by ultrasound, but may also present symptomatically when occlusion becomes significant. Signs include: diminished or absent pulse, pallor of the affected lower extremity, extremity cool to the touch. Rupture of the aneurysm is a rare complication of PAA, with an occurrence of 2-5% according to some sources. This can lead to uncontrollable bleeding in the popliteal space, which presents as a massively swollen leg with anemia on laboratory findings. PAA may be treated surgically or conservatively depending on the clinical presentation. Regardless of whether the aneurysm is symptomatic or not, risk factors should be addressed to mitigate worsening of the condition. Patients who may benefit from surgical aneurysmal repair include those who present with symptoms of acute limb ischemia with aneurysms of any size and those who have aneurysms greater than 2 cm in diameter. For asymptomatic presentations of the disease, regular ultrasound screenings should be planned every 6 to 12 months, with more frequent imaging done in patients with aneurysms greater than 1.7 cm in diameter. While a rare complication of PAA (reported in 2-5% in some sources), rupture of the aneurysm may be life-threatening.
  • #57 Endovascular Aneurysm Repair Chino CA | Popliteal Aneurysm Chino CA
    https://www.chinovascularsurgerycenter.com/endovascular-aneurysm-repair-vascular-disease-chino-ca.html
    Popliteal aneurysms may not cause any symptoms or you may experience symptoms such as edema (swelling) in the lower leg, pain at the back of your knee, foot pain, and non-healing skin ulcers on the lower legs and feet. […] There is also a risk the aneurysm may continue to enlarge with progressive weakening of the walls of the artery and although rare, eventually rupture. This in turn can lead to uncontrolled bleeding, which is a life-threatening situation.
  • #58 Popliteal Artery Aneurysm – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/books/NBK430863/
    The prognosis is good for patients with the popliteal artery aneurysm repaired electively; surgery and endovascular procedure outcomes are similar in the short term. However, the long-term outcome of an endovascular procedure on the popliteal artery aneurysm remains unknown. In patients who present with a rupture of a popliteal artery aneurysm, the outcome is usually poor. Limb loss is common.
  • #59 Popliteal Artery Aneurysm – Treatment and Symptoms | Apollo Hospitals
    https://www.apollohospitals.com/diseases-and-conditions/popliteal-artery-aneurysm-treatment-and-symptoms
    Popliteal artery aneurysms can cause irreparable nerve damage and gangrene (due to a lack of oxygen to the nerves and muscles in the leg), resulting in limb loss and life-threatening sepsis, and multi-organ failure, if left untreated. […] Many popliteal aneurysms go undetected. Symptoms that are common include, pain at the back of the knee, lower leg edema (swelling due to fluid retention), injuries to the feet, unhealed ulcers on the soles of the feet. […] When a popliteal aneurysm causes a blood deficit in the leg, it presents an emergency. It should be treated as a high-risk wound regardless of its size to avoid amputation of the lower leg. […] The prognosis for people who have a ruptured popliteal artery aneurysm is typically unfavorable. Limb amputation is a common event. Amputations can take place above or below the knee.
  • #60 SVS clinical practice guidelines on popliteal artery aneurysms published
    https://vascularspecialistonline.com/svs-publishes-clinical-practice-guidelines-on-popliteal-artery-aneurysms/
    Most patients with a popliteal aneurysm do not have symptoms at the time they are discovered, however, over 10% will develop symptoms within two years and over 30% will develop related complications within their lifetimes. […] The most serious complication of popliteal aneurysm involves clot formation with the possibility of limb loss related to lack of blood flow. For this reason, efforts to diagnose and initiate appropriate treatment strategies are paramount. […] Popliteal artery aneurysms can cause limb loss and therefore early diagnosis, careful follow-up, and timely treatment of this condition are paramount.
  • #61 Evaluation, Diagnosis and Management of Popliteal Artery Aneurysms: A Clinical Review | Aguila | Journal of Current Surgery
    https://www.currentsurgery.org/index.php/jcs/article/view/174/120
    Aneurysmal disease of the popliteal artery is more common than historically thought with most of the cases going unrecognized, many times until ischemic symptoms to the leg brings it to the physicians attention. […] The most commonly present incidentally as a pulsatile mass behind the knee on physical exam. Those diagnosed are often patients with significant cardiovascular risk factors and symptoms of chronic occlusive arterial disease. […] A significant proportion of patients with PAA are asymptomatic, but the complication rate increases over time with 18 to 33% of PAA eventually developing symptoms of thrombo-embolism or mass effect. Every year 5 – 24% patients develop symptoms while being observed. […] Interestingly, several reports suggest a higher rate of thrombosis in smaller aneurysms compared to large ones.
  • #62 Evaluation, Diagnosis and Management of Popliteal Artery Aneurysms: A Clinical Review | Aguila | Journal of Current Surgery
    https://www.currentsurgery.org/index.php/jcs/article/view/174/120
    The size of the aneurysm is directly proportional to the risk of rupture. In a series of 116 popliteal aneurysms, the median diameter of asymptomatic disease was 2.0 cm; 3.0 cm was the average size of those producing ischemia; and those producing compressive symptoms were 3.45 cm in average. […] PAA appears to be a progressive disease process encompassing a continuum of symptom free disease, minimally/chronically symptomatic disease, and ultimately limb threatening ischemia.
  • #63 Evaluation, Diagnosis and Management of Popliteal Artery Aneurysms: A Clinical Review | Aguila | Journal of Current Surgery
    https://www.currentsurgery.org/index.php/jcs/article/view/174/120
    Aneurysmal disease of the popliteal artery is more common than historically thought with most of the cases going unrecognized, many times until ischemic symptoms to the leg brings it to the physicians attention. […] The most commonly present incidentally as a pulsatile mass behind the knee on physical exam. Those diagnosed are often patients with significant cardiovascular risk factors and symptoms of chronic occlusive arterial disease. […] A significant proportion of patients with PAA are asymptomatic, but the complication rate increases over time with 18 to 33% of PAA eventually developing symptoms of thrombo-embolism or mass effect. Every year 5 – 24% patients develop symptoms while being observed. […] Interestingly, several reports suggest a higher rate of thrombosis in smaller aneurysms compared to large ones.
  • #64 Popliteal Artery Aneurysms – Endovascular Today
    https://evtoday.com/articles/2003-nov/1103_08.html
    Popliteal artery aneurysms are the most common peripheral artery aneurysms, comprising 70% to 85% of the total aneurysms in the periphery. More than 95% of peripheral artery aneurysms occur in males, and the average age of patients at presentation is 65 years. At the time of presentation, approximately 50% to 85% of popliteal artery aneurysms are symptomatic, and most are 3 cm to 4 cm in diameter. The most common symptoms at presentation are lower-extremity ischemia and compression of adjacent structures. Twenty-five percent to 55% of patients presenting with popliteal artery aneurysms have associated thrombosis and 6% to 25% have evidence of distal emboli. Claudication is present in 4% to 40% of this patient population. Rupture of popliteal artery aneurysms is uncommon, occurring in only 2% to 7% of patients, and even when rupture does occur, mortality is rare. However, limb-threatening ischemia associated with rupture results in a 50% to 70% amputation rate. Aneurysm size plays less of a role in the decision to treat popliteal artery aneurysms compared to aneurysms in other locations, such as the abdominal aorta. This is because the major morbidity from popliteal artery aneurysms is due to thromboembolism rather than rupture. Thus, symptomatic aneurysms require repair regardless of size. Long-term graft patency rates directly correlate with preoperative ischemic symptoms. Asymptomatic patients develop ischemic symptoms between 18% and 31% of the time, which accounts for the majority of the 2% to 13% of this population that eventually required amputation. Several studies have suggested that these aneurysms have a higher rate of thromboembolism than larger aneurysms.
  • #65 Popliteal artery aneurysm – Wikipedia
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Popliteal_artery_aneurysm
    A popliteal artery aneurysm (PAA) is a bulging (aneurysm) of the popliteal artery. A PAA is diagnosed when a focal dilation greater than 50% of the normal vessel diameter is found (the normal diameter of a popliteal artery is 0.7-1.1 cm). PAAs are most often asymptomatic. Chronic symptoms are most often secondary to the mass effect exerted upon adjoining structures by the aneurysm (e.g. pain and paresthesias due to tibial nerve compression, calf swelling due to compression of the popliteal vein). Thrombosis within the aneurysm and subsequent luminal narrowing may result in claudication of gradual onset, while an acute thrombosis (occluding the vessel at the side of the aneurysm or lodging distally as the vessel narrows) may lead to acute lower extremity ischaemia and associated symptomatology (pain, paresthesia, paresis, pallor, poikilothermia). Untreated, some 30% of those affected develop acute thrombosis and distal embolization, risking potential limb loss. In cases with acute thrombosis/embolism, amputation rate is 15%. […] A PAA seldom presents with a size greater than 5cm, as symptoms typically develop before the aneurysm reaches such a size. Unlike aneurysms elsewhere in the body, the typical course of PAAs is to embolize and produce ischaemia, rather than to progress to rupture.
  • #66 Popliteal artery aneurysm – Wikipedia
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Popliteal_artery_aneurysm
    A popliteal artery aneurysm (PAA) is a bulging (aneurysm) of the popliteal artery. A PAA is diagnosed when a focal dilation greater than 50% of the normal vessel diameter is found (the normal diameter of a popliteal artery is 0.7-1.1 cm). PAAs are most often asymptomatic. Chronic symptoms are most often secondary to the mass effect exerted upon adjoining structures by the aneurysm (e.g. pain and paresthesias due to tibial nerve compression, calf swelling due to compression of the popliteal vein). Thrombosis within the aneurysm and subsequent luminal narrowing may result in claudication of gradual onset, while an acute thrombosis (occluding the vessel at the side of the aneurysm or lodging distally as the vessel narrows) may lead to acute lower extremity ischaemia and associated symptomatology (pain, paresthesia, paresis, pallor, poikilothermia). Untreated, some 30% of those affected develop acute thrombosis and distal embolization, risking potential limb loss. In cases with acute thrombosis/embolism, amputation rate is 15%. […] A PAA seldom presents with a size greater than 5cm, as symptoms typically develop before the aneurysm reaches such a size. Unlike aneurysms elsewhere in the body, the typical course of PAAs is to embolize and produce ischaemia, rather than to progress to rupture.
  • #67 Medical Science Monitor | Factors influencing the clinical course of popliteal artery aneurysm – Article abstract #869644
    https://medscimonit.com/abstract/index/idArt/869644
    Of 86 cases of popliteal aneurysms in 61 patients, 18 were asymptomatic, 22 were associated with intermittent claudication, 26 with acute limb ischemia, 10 with critical limb ischemia, and 10 with nonischemic symptoms. […] There was a trend of borderline statistical significance for smaller diameter in asymptomatic popliteal aneurysms. […] The 58 cases with hypercholesterolemia less frequently presented with limb-threatening symptoms (32.8%) compared with the 28 patients without hypercholesterolemia (60.7%, P=.02), and more often had patent aneurysms (55.2% versus 28.6%, P=.04). […] Patients with patent popliteal aneurysms were younger (P=.047) and were more frequently on statins (30% versus 12.5%, P=.063). […] Expectations regarding clinical course and indications for intervention in popliteal aneurysm should not be based on its diameter. Statins may have a beneficial influence on the clinical course of popliteal aneurysms, but further investigations are required.
  • #68 Popliteal Aneurysm – Nevada Vein And Vascular
    https://www.nevadavascular.com/disease/popliteal-aneurysm/
    The popliteal artery is located behind the knee and is one of the more frequent locations we encounter aneurysms. […] the most feared complication of a popliteal aneurysm is thrombosis a condition in which the aneurysm causes the artery to acutely clot, blocking blood flow to the lower leg. When this occurs, the risk of limb loss approaches 30%, therefore we actively follow our patients with small popliteal aneurysms to monitor growth, and recommend treatment if the aneurysm reaches 3cm, or if there are other aneurysm-related symptoms. […] up to 80% of popliteal aneurysms are associated with aortic aneurysms.
  • #69 Popliteal Aneurysm or something else? PLEASE HELP!!! | Aortic Aneurysm and Dissection | Forums
    https://patient.info/forums/discuss/popliteal-aneurysm-or-something-else-please-help–529231
    I was then told it was an enlarged lymph node. However, after searching up symptoms I’m terrified that I might have an aneurysm in my leg. My leg doesn’t swell up or change in color, but it does cause discomfort after walking or standing for long periods of time. […] I read that as much as 50% of people with popliteal aneurysms have a bilateral aneurysm and abdominal aortic aneurysm.
  • #70 Aneurysm – Knowledge @ AMBOSS
    https://www.amboss.com/us/knowledge/aneurysm/
    Most patients present with an asymptomatic mass in the popliteal fossa (bilateral in 50% of cases). […] If symptomatic, knee pain, 6 Ps of acute limb ischemia, and signs and/or symptoms of chronic peripheral artery disease may occur. […] The symptoms of a popliteal artery aneurysm may be similar to those of atherosclerotic peripheral vascular disease. […] The decision to repair is multifactorial and depends on aneurysm size, thromboembolic risk, perioperative risk assessment, and the patient’s life expectancy. […] Indications include: diameter 2 cm, presence of thrombus and/or suspicion of embolism, and distal arterial insufficiency. […] Acute limb ischemia and possible loss of limb, chronic thrombus and/or distal embolization, e.g., blue toe syndrome, and rupture (rare) are potential complications.
  • #71 Limb salvage and survival after urgent surgical treatment of popliteal artery aneurysm | World Journal of Emergency Surgery | Full Text
    https://wjes.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13017-023-00514-7
    Popliteal artery aneurysms (PAAs) need urgent treatment in case of acute thrombosis, distal embolization, or rupture. […] PAAs need urgent treatment in case of acute limb ischemia (ALI) due to acute aneurysm thrombosis or distal embolization to tibio-pedal arteries and in the cases of aneurysm rupture. […] In patients with ALI, intervention should be defined according to the severity of ischemia (Rutherford clinical categories of ALI). […] A primary major amputation was performed in 3 (5%) cases because of the presence of irreversible ischemia (Rutherford III) at presentation. […] PAA rupture is the cause of urgent PAA treatment in almost one fifth of cases, and it is associated with lower long-term survival. […] ALI can benefit from thrombolysis, and long-term limb salvage and survival are associated with the number of pTA.
  • #72 Surgical and endovascular repair of popliteal artery aneurysm – UpToDate
    https://www.uptodate.com/contents/surgical-and-endovascular-repair-of-popliteal-artery-aneurysm
    Popliteal artery aneurysms present in a variety of ways. Most patients are asymptomatic; however, some may present with symptoms referable to the aneurysm such as acute limb ischemia due to aneurysm thrombosis or distal embolization or compressive symptoms resulting in deep vein thrombosis of the adjacent popliteal vein. […] Surgical or endovascular repair for popliteal aneurysms is indicated under the following circumstances: Symptomatic (eg, acute limb ischemia) popliteal aneurysm of any size. […] Selected asymptomatic popliteal aneurysm (patent) depending upon diameter and presence of thrombus.
  • #73 Limb salvage and survival after urgent surgical treatment of popliteal artery aneurysm | World Journal of Emergency Surgery | Full Text
    https://wjes.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13017-023-00514-7
    Popliteal artery aneurysms (PAAs) need urgent treatment in case of acute thrombosis, distal embolization, or rupture. […] PAAs need urgent treatment in case of acute limb ischemia (ALI) due to acute aneurysm thrombosis or distal embolization to tibio-pedal arteries and in the cases of aneurysm rupture. […] In patients with ALI, intervention should be defined according to the severity of ischemia (Rutherford clinical categories of ALI). […] A primary major amputation was performed in 3 (5%) cases because of the presence of irreversible ischemia (Rutherford III) at presentation. […] PAA rupture is the cause of urgent PAA treatment in almost one fifth of cases, and it is associated with lower long-term survival. […] ALI can benefit from thrombolysis, and long-term limb salvage and survival are associated with the number of pTA.
  • #74 What are the Symptoms & Causes of a Popliteal Aneurysm?
    https://legsmatter.org/information-and-support/health-concerns/popliteal-aneurysm/
    Popliteal aneurysms are relatively uncommon, with nearly half of the patients showing no clear symptoms (asymptomatic) at the time of diagnosis. […] The most frequent catastrophic complication is the acute ischaemia leading to irreversible nerve damage and gangrene (due to the lack of oxygen the nerves and muscles in the leg). This may inevitably lead to limb loss and/or life threatening sepsis and multi-organ failure. […] Where the popliteal aneurysm presents as an emergency due to a shortage of blood to the leg. Regardless of the size, it should be treated as high risk to prevent the possible amputation of the lower leg.
  • #75 Popliteal Artery Disease Guidelines: SVS Guidelines for Popliteal Artery Aneurysms, ACC/AHA Guidelines for Lower-Extremity Peripheral Arterial Disease
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/461910-guidelines
    Patients with an asymptomatic PAA at least 20 mm in diameter should undergo repair to reduce their risk of thromboembolic complications and limb loss. […] Follow up patients who undergo open PAA repair (OPAR) or endovascular PAA repair (EPAR) with the use of clinical examination, ankle brachial index (ABI), and duplex ultrasonography (DUS) at 3, 6, and 12 months during the first postoperative year and, if stable, every year thereafter. […] In the setting of compressive symptoms or symptomatic aneurysm sac expansion, surgical decompression of the aneurysm sac is suggested.
  • #76 Popliteal Artery Disease Guidelines: SVS Guidelines for Popliteal Artery Aneurysms, ACC/AHA Guidelines for Lower-Extremity Peripheral Arterial Disease
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/461910-guidelines
    Patients with an asymptomatic PAA at least 20 mm in diameter should undergo repair to reduce their risk of thromboembolic complications and limb loss. […] Follow up patients who undergo open PAA repair (OPAR) or endovascular PAA repair (EPAR) with the use of clinical examination, ankle brachial index (ABI), and duplex ultrasonography (DUS) at 3, 6, and 12 months during the first postoperative year and, if stable, every year thereafter. […] In the setting of compressive symptoms or symptomatic aneurysm sac expansion, surgical decompression of the aneurysm sac is suggested.
  • #77 Popliteal Aneurysms | ANZSVS
    https://anzsvs.org.au/patient-information/popliteal-aneurysms/
    Popliteal aneurysms can burst (rupture) but this is a much less common complication than embolisation. […] Sometimes popliteal aneurysms can suddenly block off and obstruct blood flow to the lower leg and foot. […] On other occasions this acute blockage can cause severe ischaemia (shortage of blood) resulting in a threatened limb which if not successfully treated within 6-12 hours will require amputation. […] In these patients there is usually severe pain in the leg associated with tingling or numbness, poor movements or paralysis and pallor or paleness of the leg. […] Popliteal aneurysms may present acutely (as an emergency) or electively at a planned outpatient appointment. […] Symptomatic aneurysms may present with symptoms due to shortage of blood to the leg, such as claudication, but the patient and referring doctor may be unaware that they are related to a popliteal aneurysm. […] Approximately 45% of popliteal aneurysms are asymptomatic.
  • #78 Popliteal Artery Aneurysm – Lupetin & Unatin, LLC
    https://www.pamedmal.com/popliteal-artery-aneurysm/
    Popliteal artery aneurysm occurs when the popliteal artery—the main blood vessel behind the knee—dilates abnormally, weakening its walls. This condition is the most common peripheral artery aneurysm, accounting for 70-85% of all peripheral aneurysms. […] Although PAA is the most prevalent type of peripheral artery aneurysm, it is still relatively uncommon. […] In many cases, a PAA is asymptomatic, meaning patients may not know they have one until it reaches a dangerous stage. When symptoms do appear, they may include: leg pain or cramping, especially when walking (claudication), swelling in the calf or behind the knee, a pulsating mass behind the knee, cool or numb foot due to reduced circulation, skin discoloration or ulcers on the foot. […] If the aneurysm thromboses or becomes completely blocked, symptoms rapidly worsen, causing severe pain, foot pallor, or even loss of sensation and movement. This is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention. […] If someone experiences any of the symptoms listed above—especially sudden leg pain, numbness, or coldness—they should seek immediate medical attention. Early detection significantly improves the chances of successful treatment and prevents limb loss.
  • #79 Popliteal Artery Aneurysms – Endovascular Today
    https://evtoday.com/articles/2003-nov/1103_08.html
    Popliteal artery aneurysms are the most common peripheral artery aneurysms, comprising 70% to 85% of the total aneurysms in the periphery. More than 95% of peripheral artery aneurysms occur in males, and the average age of patients at presentation is 65 years. At the time of presentation, approximately 50% to 85% of popliteal artery aneurysms are symptomatic, and most are 3 cm to 4 cm in diameter. The most common symptoms at presentation are lower-extremity ischemia and compression of adjacent structures. Twenty-five percent to 55% of patients presenting with popliteal artery aneurysms have associated thrombosis and 6% to 25% have evidence of distal emboli. Claudication is present in 4% to 40% of this patient population. Rupture of popliteal artery aneurysms is uncommon, occurring in only 2% to 7% of patients, and even when rupture does occur, mortality is rare. However, limb-threatening ischemia associated with rupture results in a 50% to 70% amputation rate. Aneurysm size plays less of a role in the decision to treat popliteal artery aneurysms compared to aneurysms in other locations, such as the abdominal aorta. This is because the major morbidity from popliteal artery aneurysms is due to thromboembolism rather than rupture. Thus, symptomatic aneurysms require repair regardless of size. Long-term graft patency rates directly correlate with preoperative ischemic symptoms. Asymptomatic patients develop ischemic symptoms between 18% and 31% of the time, which accounts for the majority of the 2% to 13% of this population that eventually required amputation. Several studies have suggested that these aneurysms have a higher rate of thromboembolism than larger aneurysms.
  • #80 Evaluation, Diagnosis and Management of Popliteal Artery Aneurysms: A Clinical Review | Aguila | Journal of Current Surgery
    https://www.currentsurgery.org/index.php/jcs/article/view/174/120
    The size of the aneurysm is directly proportional to the risk of rupture. In a series of 116 popliteal aneurysms, the median diameter of asymptomatic disease was 2.0 cm; 3.0 cm was the average size of those producing ischemia; and those producing compressive symptoms were 3.45 cm in average. […] PAA appears to be a progressive disease process encompassing a continuum of symptom free disease, minimally/chronically symptomatic disease, and ultimately limb threatening ischemia.
  • #81 Thrombosed Popliteal Aneurysm – MD Searchlight
    https://mdsearchlight.com/health/thrombosed-popliteal-aneurysm/
    Acute or chronic ischemia, a condition where blood flow to your limbs is reduced, could affect up to 50% of patients. They might report worsening leg pain when walking, skin sores, sharp pain at rest, or a blue discoloration in the toe. A physical check usually reveals a lump in the back of their knee, which may or may not have a pulse. Anyone who shows these symptoms should be evaluated for a bulging blood vessel in the knee. […] The outcome of a certain condition called acute limb ischemia (which means sudden lack of blood flow to a limb), usually caused by the clotting of an artery in the knee area (popliteal artery), can depend on various factors. These include a patients co-occurring health conditions, the level of severity of the lack of blood flow when a patient first seeks medical help, how long the lack of blood flow has been happening, the use of drugs that break up blood clots (thrombolytics), and the availability of a vein from the leg (saphenous vein) for grafting.
  • #82 Limb salvage and survival after urgent surgical treatment of popliteal artery aneurysm | World Journal of Emergency Surgery | Full Text
    https://wjes.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13017-023-00514-7
    In our series, preoperative intra-arterial thrombolysis was performed in 18 (33%) patients, and it was associated with higher long-term survival rate if compared to urgent bypass surgery alone (5-year survival 946% vs. 6210%). […] The present study reports an 11-year multicenter experience in the urgent surgical treatment of a significant number of PAAs (66) with a long follow-up period (5221 months). […] It is worth noting that patients with ruptured PAA were older than those presenting with ischemic symptoms (82 vs 69 year-old, P=0.01) in our series and this may be the reason for their shorter survival, as suggested by the lack of an independent association. […] Overall, 5-year survival after urgent PAA treatment was 717%. Ruptured PAAs were associated with a lower 5-year survival rate compared with patients treated for ALI (482% vs. 797%, P=0.001). […] Data about long-term outcomes of urgent PAA surgical treatment are limited; however, a prompt treatment ensures generally favorable outcomes and satisfactory long-term results.
  • #83 Thrombosed Popliteal Aneurysm – MD Searchlight
    https://mdsearchlight.com/health/thrombosed-popliteal-aneurysm/
    When this condition occurs, the chances of losing the limb vary greatly among various reports, but some say it could be as high as 20 to 60%. That being said, most recent studies suggest an incidence of about 14 to 17%. However, theres some positive news: due to improvements in medical techniques and the use of blood clot-dissolving drugs, several recent studies show encouraging long-term results. Approximately 68 to 80% of patients experience effective blood flow through their bypass grafts five years after the procedure, and more than 95% successfully save their limbs after urgent revascularization (a procedure to restore blood flow). […] If a person has a popliteal artery clotknown medically as Acute Limb Ischemia (ALI)there is a roughly 14 to 17% chance of losing the affected limb. This situation may also lead to a condition known as compartment syndrome that causes pain and swelling in an enclosed area, like a limb. The limb could suffer from lack of blood flow, making the symptoms of the compartment syndrome less noticeable but no less dangerous.
  • #84 Limb salvage and survival after urgent surgical treatment of popliteal artery aneurysm | World Journal of Emergency Surgery | Full Text
    https://wjes.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13017-023-00514-7
    In our series, preoperative intra-arterial thrombolysis was performed in 18 (33%) patients, and it was associated with higher long-term survival rate if compared to urgent bypass surgery alone (5-year survival 946% vs. 6210%). […] The present study reports an 11-year multicenter experience in the urgent surgical treatment of a significant number of PAAs (66) with a long follow-up period (5221 months). […] It is worth noting that patients with ruptured PAA were older than those presenting with ischemic symptoms (82 vs 69 year-old, P=0.01) in our series and this may be the reason for their shorter survival, as suggested by the lack of an independent association. […] Overall, 5-year survival after urgent PAA treatment was 717%. Ruptured PAAs were associated with a lower 5-year survival rate compared with patients treated for ALI (482% vs. 797%, P=0.001). […] Data about long-term outcomes of urgent PAA surgical treatment are limited; however, a prompt treatment ensures generally favorable outcomes and satisfactory long-term results.
  • #85 Popliteal Aneurysm Repair at UPMC: Expert Endovascular Care
    https://www.upmc.com/services/heart-vascular/services/procedures/popliteal-aneurysm-repair
    Popliteal aneurysm repair can reduce your risk of complications, including amputation. Most people live a normal, active life after popliteal aneurysm repair. […] Popliteal aneurysm repair successfully prevents limb loss and reduces the risk of long-term complications in more than 90 percent of patients.