Arteriosclerotic Popliteal Aneurysms

Abstract

A critical analysis is made of 12 arteriosclerotic popliteal aneurysms occurring in 9 patients. These aneurysms are usually asymptomatic until complications occur. The commonest complications are nerve pressure, popliteal thrombophlebitis, hemorrhage from the aneurysm, and acute thrombosis of the aneurysm. Femoral arteriography differentiates aneurysms from extravascular popliteal masses. The ideal procedure is resection of the aneurysm and replacement with either a venous autograft or plastic prosthesis. In selected cases lumbar sympathectomy in conjunction with Hunterian ligation of the popliteal artery is indicated. Of the complications described, leakage is consistent with salvage of the limb but thrombosis is more frequent and usually necessitates amputation.