The popliteal artery is the one which supplies blood to the knee joint, thigh, and calf area. A popliteal artery aneurysm is a condition in which there is bulging and weakening in the wall of the popliteal artery. This affects the blood supply of the knee joint, thigh and calf. This aneurysm may rupture and can cause life-threatening uncontrollable bleeding. It can also lead to a blood clot which might necessitate the amputation of the limb.

Causes of Popliteal Aneurysms

The exact cause of popliteal aneurysms is unknown. However, atherosclerosis is considered to play a key role. Atherosclerosis is a fatty deposition in the wall of the artery. This can lead to a pathological dilation of the artery by increasing the blood pressure in the artery.

Aneurysms usually happen as a result of decreased wall strength which is caused by inflammatory cell infiltration. Trauma to the artery is also considered to cause a popliteal aneurysm.

What are the risk factors for a popliteal aneurysm?

You may be at risk for a popliteal aneurysm if you are having following conditions

• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Habit of smoking
• Have a bacterial infection
• Have had blood-vessel reconstruction in one or both legs

Symptoms of Popliteal Aneurysms

Many times popliteal aneurysms have no symptoms and can go unnoticed. Some of the common symptoms of popliteal artery include:

• Pain behind the knee
• Oedema is a condition in which there is a collection of watery fluid in the lower leg
• Foot pain
• Ulcers on the skin of the feet that don’t heal

Popliteal Aneurysms: Diagnosis & Treatment

Following tests can be used by the doctor to confirm a popliteal artery aneurysm

• Ultrasound
• Computed tomography (CT) scan
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
• Angiography

Treatment

For Asymptomatic aneurysm

Popliteal aneurysms are usually bigger than 2.5cm which poses a significant risk of clotting and subsequent complications. In this case, the doctor will advise you regarding the preventive measures.

Symptomatic aneurysm

When a popliteal aneurysm ruptures it disrupts the blood flow. It presents an emergency. These cases are treated as high-risk cases regardless of their size to avoid amputation of the lower leg.

Traditionally Popliteal artery aneurysms have been treated surgically using open bypass methods. With advancements in technology, endovascular methods/keyhole surgery can be utilized to stent-graft (fabric-lined metal mesh) through the popliteal artery aneurysm. These treatment options depend on your health, age, and symptoms.

Surgery is generally required to treat popliteal aneurysms. During surgery, vascular surgeons will create a bypass around the area of the artery where the aneurysm is located to restore the normal blood flow in the affected area.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of a popliteal artery aneurysm, feel free to consult us.