title: Popliteal venous aneurysm causing pulmonary embolism and paradoxical embolisation in a patient with antiphospholipid syndrome.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Popliteal venous aneurysms are rare and can cause recurrent pulmonary emboli despite adequate anticoagulation.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 43-year old patient with known antiphospholipid syndrome developed an extensive pulmonary embolus and ischaemic stroke despite anticoagulation. Duplex ultrasound confirmed a right popliteal venous aneurysm containing non-adherent multi-layered thrombus. At operation an 8 cm x 5 cm true aneurysm of the popliteal vein was excised. A postoperative echocardiogram revealed a patent foramen ovale.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This case is unusual as the patient suffered a paradoxical embolism due to his patent foramen ovale. Although antiphospholipid syndrome is associated with venous thrombosis, this is usually prevented by therapeutic anticoagulation.
authors.affiliation: Taunton and Somerset Hospital, Taunton, UK. Electronic address: jmlw@doctors.org.uk.
authors.forename: J M L
authors.initials: JML
authors.lastname: Williamson
authors.affiliation: Taunton and Somerset Hospital, Taunton, UK.
authors.forename: R S J
authors.initials: RSJ
authors.lastname: Dalton
authors.affiliation: Taunton and Somerset Hospital, Taunton, UK.
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Chester
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000783:Aneurysm / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016736:Antiphospholipid Syndrome / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy; D002545:Brain Ischemia / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology; D019320:Embolism, Paradoxical / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D054092:Foramen Ovale, Patent / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011152:Popliteal Vein / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D020521:Stroke / Q000209:etiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants