title: Pulmonary embolism from a venous thrombosis distal to the popliteal vein.
abstract: A case of pulmonary embolism from a venous thrombosis distal to the popliteal vein is reported. This occurred despite venographic and ultrasound verification that the thrombus had not extended to the popliteal vein. The medical literature supports expectant treatment of "calf-only" venous thrombi. Our case clearly demonstrates that clinically significant pulmonary emboli can arise from calf vein thrombi without popliteal involvement.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Tripler Army Medical Center, Honolulu, HI 96859-5000.
authors.forename: W H
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: Chapman
authors.forename: K T
authors.initials: KT
authors.lastname: Foley
authors.forename: Y T
authors.initials: YT
authors.lastname: Lee
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply; D008168:Lung / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D010690:Phlebography; D011152:Popliteal Vein / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D012307:Risk Factors; D013924:Thrombophlebitis / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging