[Should asymptomatic small popliteal artery aneurysms be operated on?].
The authors recently observed two patients who suffered acute lower limb ischemia secondary to thrombosis of a small (diameter of less than 2 cm) popliteal artery aneurysm. A literature search lead to the conclusion that small popliteal aneurysms, covered with mural thrombus and presenting a distorted neck due to elongation, are prone to thrombosis. Another risk factor is a restrained outflow bed as a result of previous micro-embolisations into the tibial arteries. The authors conclude that small popliteal artery aneurysms are not so innocent as is often presumed.
Service de Chirurgie Cardio-vasculaire et Thoracique, CHU de Liège, Belgique.
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Ch
Holemans
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Van Damme
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JO
Defraigne
D000368:Aged; D000783:Aneurysm / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D013504:Cardiovascular Surgical Procedures / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007511:Ischemia / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011150:Popliteal Artery / Q000601:surgery*; D011184:Postoperative Period