J Korean Surg Soc.  2001 Dec;61(6):629-632.

A Popliteal Vein Aneurysm Causing Pulmonary Embolism

• Hong SG
• Song MH
• Sung GY
• Lee DS
• Kim W
• Park IY
• Won JM

Abstract

Popliteal vein aneurysm is a very uncommon and rarely reported although potentially life-threatening disease because it can be a source of pulmonary embolism. A patient with recurrent pulmonary embolism must be checked for lower extremity venous abnormalities. Recently, newer techniques including duplex scanning, computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are useful in detecting popliteal fossa venous abnormalities. However, venography is also mandatory before operating on a popliteal vein aneurysm. Several methods are useful for the surgical treatment of popliteal vein aneurysms, including aneurysmectomy with lateral venorrhaphy, aneurysmectomy with vein transposition, aneurysmectomy with vein patch, etc. Following surgery, anticoagulation therapy is widely accepted. Here in, we present a case of popliteal vein aneurysm with pulmonary embolism. This patient was a 67-year-old woman exhibiting chest pain and exertional dyspnea. Lung scan and chest CT revealed multiple pulmonary embolisms and lower extremity venography revealed a right popliteal vein aneurysm with thromboembolism. This patient underwent aneurysmectomy with lateral venorrhaphy.

Keyword

Popliteal vein aneurysm; Pulmonary embolism; Lateral venorrhaphy

MeSH Terms

Aged
Aneurysm*
Chest Pain
Dyspnea
Female
Humans
Lower Extremity
Lung
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Phlebography
Popliteal Vein*
Pulmonary Embolism*
Thromboembolism
Tomography, X-Ray Computed
Veins