Popliteal Artery Aneurysm

Eastern Vascular Society

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS -
Popliteal aneurysm, advential cystic disease, synovial cyst

PERTINENT HISTORY -
Previous aneurysms?
Contralateral popliteal aneurysm?

PHYSICAL FINDINGS -
Easily palpable popliteal pulse
Is there any suggestion of abdominal or femoral aneurysm?
Cardiac risk factors?

INITIAL LABORATORY INVESTIGATIONS -
Ultrasound of both popliteal fossae

MANAGEMENT ALGORITHM

• If popliteal artery > 2 cm or evidence of thrombus within popliteal artery - refer to vascular surgeon.
• Ultrasound of abdomen to rule out infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm would be helpful as would evaluation of cardiac risk factors.
• If ultrasound of femoral artery demonstrates artery 2 cm or greater, refer to a vascular surgeon.
• Obtain abdominal ultrasound to rule out infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm.
• If less than 2 cm - re-examine in one year (unless thrombus abundant, then vascular surgeon)
• If evidence of pseudoaneurysm - refer to vascular surgeon