Popliteal aneurysms: a 10-year experience.
BACKGROUND
Popliteal aneurysms account for 70% of peripheral arterial aneurysms and, if untreated, pose a serious threat to the affected limb. Debate continues about the best form of treatment especially for asymptomatic lesions.


METHODS
We reviewed the computer records and charts of patients seen at this department with a diagnosis of popliteal aneurysm over the last 10 years. Patients who had not been seen within the last year were followed-up through their G.P.


RESULTS
Twenty-four patients (M 23/F 1) presented with 40 popliteal aneurysms. The mean age was 63.5 +/- 9 years. Symptoms were present in 23 of the affected limbs while 17 were asymptomatic. Thirty were treated surgically and 10 followed with regular ultrasound. The mean diameter of the repaired aneurysms was 3.3 +/- 1 cm. Aneurysms < 2 cm were more likely to be asymptomatic. No limbs were lost in patients undergoing elective repair of popliteal aneurysms. The secondary patency and limb salvage rates at 3 years were 84% and 96% respectively. Conservative management of asymptomatic lesions < 2 cm was not complicated by the development of symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
Elective repair of popliteal aneurysms by exclusion and bypass is a safe, effective and durable technique. Small asymptomatic lesions can be safely managed with close follow-up.
Duffy
S T
ST
School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland.
Colgan
M P
MP
Sultan
S
S
Moore
D J
DJ
Shanik
G D
GD
D000783:Aneurysm / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery*; D001166:Arteriovenous Shunt, Surgical; D019917:Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; D017558:Elective Surgical Procedures; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011150:Popliteal Artery; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012501:Saphenous Vein / Q000637:transplantation; D013997:Time Factors; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014654:Vascular Patency