title: Traumatic pseudoaneurysm of the popliteal artery after blunt trauma: case report and a review of the literature.
abstract: Pseudoaneurysms of the popliteal artery following trauma are rare lesions. We present 3 cases of pseudoaneurysms of the popliteal artery (4, 20, and 45 years old respectively) with a delayed presentation, following blunt trauma, presenting over a 3-year period, and a short review of the relevant literature. A delayed pattern of presentation, over 2 years after blunt popliteal trauma, was observed in all patients. They presented with a painful pulsatile mass in the popliteal fossa, and their peripheral pulses were normal. Orthopedic and rheumatologic evaluation findings were negative. Diagnostic evaluation included triplex, arteriography, and computed tomography angiography. A posterior popliteal approach was used, and after aneurysmal excision, reversed great saphenous vein and lesser saphenous vein (1 patient) grafts were used. After 2 to 4 years of follow-up, all grafts remain patent and the patients have fully functional limbs. A literature search revealed 70 cases of pseudoaneurysms of the popliteal artery reported in civilian settings. These lesions should be repaired shortly because their complications (rupture, thromboembolic episodes) carry a high risk for limb dysfunction and amputation. Penetrating or blunt trauma is the main causative factor (62.5%), but iatrogenic trauma accounts for an increasing number of reports (37.5%). Strict follow-up of popliteal trauma is essential. A high level of suspicion and awareness can lead to early diagnosis and treatment of pseudoaneurysms of the popliteal artery and prevent the serious complications associated with these lesions.
authors.affiliation: 1st Surgical Clinic, General Hospital "G. Papanikolaou," Exohi, Thessaloniki, Greece.
authors.forename: Aggelos
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Megalopoulos
authors.forename: Sotirios
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Siminas
authors.forename: Georgios
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Trelopoulos
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017541:Aneurysm, False / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011150:Popliteal Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D012501:Saphenous Vein / Q000637:transplantation; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000150:complications*