Popliteal artery aneurysm.
Fourteen patients with atherosclerotic aneurysms of the popliteal artery, which were bilateral in 13, have been managed in a vascular unit where ultrasound, xerography, and isotope angiography are available for investigation. Although these methods are useful in confirming a suspected diagnosis, they cannot replace an awareness of the condition and clinical methods of examining the ischaemic lower limb. Reconstructive vascular surgery was effective in preserving the presenting leg in 5 cases and amputation was needed in 6, while no operation was needed in 3. Elective arterial surgery was carried out on the asymptomatic contralateral leg in 7 cases with good results and this active approach to treatment is recommended.
D000368:Aged; D000783:Aneurysm / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007511:Ischemia; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011150:Popliteal Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014986:Xeroradiography