Popliteal artery aneurysm
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A popliteal artery aneurysm is an aneurysm of the lower extremity which appears as uneven bulge in the wall of the artery that runs behind the knee joint. Behind the knee there is the popliteal artery which provides oxygen-rich blood to the calf and foot.
Popliteal aneurysms can result from damage to the popliteal artery or atherosclerosis, which is the hardening of an artery’s walls as a result of the buildup of lipids and cholesterol. The most typical type of peripheral aneurysm (aneurysm in an artery other than the aorta) causes the popliteal artery wall to weaken and protrude.
Symptoms
It’s possible that a popliteal artery aneurysm goes unnoticed. The lower leg ache that comes on when walking (claudication) could be the initial symptom. In addition to these, a popliteal artery aneurysm may also present with:
- Pain in the knee and lower leg
- The back of the knee has a pulsing sensation
- The back of the knee appears swollen
Causes
A swelling in a weak area in the arterial wall is known as an aneurysm. The popliteal artery wall can deteriorate due to a variety of factors, including:
- Hypertension
- Blocked arteries (atherosclerosis)
- Arterial wall that has weakened
- Popliteal artery damage brought on by constant usage of the knee joint
Risk factors
Aneurysms in the popliteal artery are uncommon and are more common in men.
Men who have abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), which is the swelling of the aorta’s wall, frequently develop popliteal artery aneurysms. Popliteal artery aneurysm patients should be checked for AAA.
The following are additional popliteal artery aneurysm risk factors:
- A heart valve that has narrowed (stenotic disease)
- Three of more aneurysms in the body
- Old age
- Smoking
- Hypertension
Diagnosis
A doctor will conduct a physical examination to look for swelling, tenderness, or changes in skin color or warmth on the lower leg and behind the knee in order to diagnose popliteal artery aneurysm. Your medical background and health behaviors, such as smoking, may be questioned.
Imaging tests
A popliteal artery aneurysm diagnosis can be supported by imaging testing. Your doctor might advise the following if you exhibit popliteal artery aneurysm symptoms:
- Duplex ultrasound. This noninvasive test makes use of sound waves to examine the arteries and veins’ blood flow. The diagnosis of a popliteal artery aneurysm is easy. A small hand-held instrument (transducer) is gently moved on the skin behind and around the knee throughout the test by a medical professional.
- Computed Tomography (CT) angiography or Magnetic Resonance (MR) angiography. Detailed pictures of blood flow in the arteries can be obtained via CT and MR angiography. An injection of contrast dye is made into a blood vessel prior to the imaging procedure to make the arteries more visible.
Treatment
The size of the aneurysm, the symptoms, the patient’s age, and general health all have a role in how the condition is treated.
Treatment options include:
- Careful observation. If the aneurysm is minor, you’ll need frequent examinations and ultrasounds for monitoring.
- Medications. People with popliteal artery aneurysms are typically prescribed aspirin or another blood thinner (anticoagulant). Anticoagulants may require IV administration. To treat heart disease signs and symptoms, doctors may also prescribe blood pressure and cholesterol drugs.
- Surgery. For any size of popliteal artery aneurysm that is generating symptoms or for any aneurysm that is 0.8 inches (2 centimeters) or greater, open surgery to repair the damaged artery is typically advised. The popliteal artery may occasionally be kept open by inserting a stent inside of it during a less intrusive surgery known as endovascular repair.
