Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Popliteal Venous Aneurysm—A Systematic Review

  • ORIGINAL SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
  • Published:
World Journal of Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Background

Popliteal vein aneurysm is a rare but potentially problematic disease with a risk of pulmonary embolism.

Method

A systematic literature search was performed.

Results

A total of 105 popliteal vein aneurysms were identified, with a slight female and left-sided preponderance. Dominating symptoms are caused by pulmonary embolism, followed by local symptoms with a palpable mass. In four patients arterial symptoms were reported. The most frequently used diagnostic test was phlebography, increasingly replaced by duplex ultrasonography in recent years. Because pulmonary embolism is a potential, it motivates surgical removal. In most cases excision and lateral suture is possible. Four fatal cases were reported. Unfortunately follow-up time and results are poorly documented.

Conclusion

Popliteal venous aneurysm is rare but should be considered as a local source of pulmonary embolism when no other explanation is found.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Schild H, Berg S, Weber W, et al. [The venous aneurysm]. Aktuelle Radiol 1992;2:75–80

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Calligaro KD, Ahmad S, Dandora R, et al. Venous aneurysms: surgical indications and review of the literature. Surgery 1995;117:1–6

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Gillespie DL, Villavicencio JL, Gallagher C, et al. Presentation and management of venous aneurysms. J Vasc Surg 1997;26:845–852

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. May R, Nissl R. [Aneurysms of the popliteal vein]. Fortschr Geb Rontgenstr Nuklearmed 1968;108:402–403

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Dahl JR, Freed TA, Burke MF. Popliteal vein aneurysm with recurrent pulmonary thromboemboli. JAMA 1976;236:2531–2532

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. McDevitt DT, Lohr JM, Martin KD, et al. Bilateral popliteal vein aneurysms. Ann Vasc Surg 1993;7:282–286

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Maleti O, Lugli M, Collura M. Anéurysmes veineux poplités: expérience personelle. Phlebologie 1997;50:53–59

    Google Scholar 

  8. Franco G, Nguyen Khac G. Anéurysme veineux de la fossa poplitée: exploration ultrasonographique. Phlebologie 1997;50:31–35

    Google Scholar 

  9. Labropoulos N, Volteas S, Giannoukas A, et al. Asymptomatic popliteal vein aneurysms. Vasc Surg 1996;30:453–458

    Google Scholar 

  10. Voirin L, Perrin M, Magne JL, et al. Les anéurysmes veineux de la fosse poplitée: résultats de la chirurgie. Phlebologie 1997;50:45–51

    Google Scholar 

  11. Cormier JM, Cormier F, al Ayoubi A. [Popliteal venous aneurysms]. J Mal Vasc 1999;24:37–41

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Sessa C, Nicolini P, Perrin M, et al. Management of symptomatic and asymptomatic popliteal venous aneurysms: a retrospective analysis of 25 patients and review of the literature. J Vasc Surg 2000;32:902–912

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Francois G, Jausseran J, Giuly J. Anéurysme veineux poplitée. Presse Méd 1988;17:755

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. Aldridge SC, Comerota AJ, Katz ML, et al. Popliteal venous aneurysm: report of two cases and review of the world literature. J Vasc Surg 1993;18:708–715

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. al Zahrani HA. Popliteal vein aneurysm. Cardiovasc Surg 1995;3:505–507

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. Bacciu PP, Porcu P, Marongiu GM. [Popliteal vein aneurysms]. J Mal Vasc 2000;25:360–365

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Banchini E, Villani LG, Rubini P. [Aneurysms of the popliteal vein. Description of 2 cases]. J Mal Vasc 1991;16:295–297

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Biessaux Y, Van Damme H, Raskinet B, et al. Popliteal venous aneurysm: unusual source of pulmonary embolism. Acta Clin Belg 1994;49:92–94

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Berman D. An unusual cause of pulmonary embolism in a young man. Hospital Practice 1995;15:109

    Google Scholar 

  20. Bouchet C, Magne JL, Lacaze R, Lebrun D, Franco A, Guidicelli H. [Aneurysm of the popliteal vein. A rare cause of recurrent pulmonary embolism]. J Mal Vasc 1986;11:190–193

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. Burnley HM, McCormick D, Hurren J, et al. Primary venous dissecting aneurysm arising during pregnancy: a case report and review of the literature. J Clin Pathol 2003;56:634–635

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  22. Cairols MA, Tellez R, Iborra E, et al. Popliteal vein aneurysm as a source of recurrent pulmonary embolism. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg 1999;18:171–173

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Chahlaoui J, Julien M, Nadeau P, et al. Popliteal venous aneurysm: a source of pulmonary embolism. AJR Am J Roentgenol 1981;136:415–416

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Chatelard P, Devolfe C, Souquet PJ, et al. [Popliteal venous aneurysm and recurrent pulmonary embolism. A case report]. Arch Mal Coeur Vaiss 1990;83:2147–2149

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Chavanis N, Guillon R, Borne J, et al. [Popliteal venous aneurysm. Apropos of a case]. Ann Chir 1998;52:950–951

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Cheatle T, Perrin M. Primary venous aneurysms of the popliteal fossa. Phlebology 1993;8:82–85

    Google Scholar 

  27. Coffman SW, Leon SM, Gupta SK. Popliteal venous aneurysms: report of an unusual presentation and literature review. Ann Vasc Surg 2000;14:286–290

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. Corsi M, Martone N, Palusci C, et al. [Bilateral aneurysm of the popliteal vein. A case report and review of the literature]. Minerva Cardioangiol 1996;44:591–593

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. Dawson KJ, Hehir DJ, Hamilton G. Popliteal vein aneurysm. Eur J Vasc Surg 1991;5:697–699

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  30. Debing E, Vanhulle A, Verhaeghe W, et al. Popliteal venous aneurysm with pulmonary embolism. J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) 1998;39:569–572

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  31. Deblier I, Breek JC, Rutsaert R. Difficulties in the diagnosis of popliteal vein aneurysm. Acta Chir Belg 1996;96:177–178

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. De Gennes C, Verny C, Ankri I, et al. [Popliteal venous aneurysm revealed by recurring pulmonary embolism. Echographic, phlebographic, x-ray computed tomographic and nuclear magnetic resonance aspects]. J Mal Vasc 1989;14:343–346

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Dimaria G, Zittoun R, Reynes M. [Aneurysm of the popliteal vein revealed by pulmonary embolism (author’s transl)]. Ann Cardiol Angeiol (Paris) 1981;30:337–338

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  34. Donald IP, Edwards RC. Fatal outcome from popliteal venous aneurysm associated with pulmonary embolism. Br J Radiol 1982;55:930–931

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. Dujardin JJ, Joly P, Fay JJ, et al. [Popliteal venous aneurysm. Apropos of 3 cases]. Ann Cardiol Angeiol (Paris) 1987;36:413–416

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  36. Ekim H, Kutay V, Tuncer M, et al. Management of primary venous aneurysms. Saudi Med J 2004;25:303–307

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. Flores JA, Nishibe T, Kudo F, et al. Popliteal venous aneurysms: involvement of tibial nerve in aneurysmal wall. J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) 2002;43:231–233

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  38. French JR, Moncrieff NJ, Englund R, et al. Thrombotic complications of venous aneurysms. Aust NZ J Surg 2003;73:384–386

    Article  Google Scholar 

  39. Gallagher JJ, Hageman JH. Popliteal vein aneurysm causing pulmonary embolus. Arch Surg 1985;120:1173–1175

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. Gorenstein A, Katz S, Schiller M. Congenital aneurysms of the deep veins of the lower extremities. J Vasc Surg 1987;5:765–768

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. Greenwood LH, Yrizarry JM, Hallett JW Jr. Peripheral venous aneurysms with recurrent pulmonary embolism: report of a case and review of the literature. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol 1982;5:43–45

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  42. Grice GD 3rd, Smith RB 3rd, Robinson PH, et al. Primary popliteal venous aneurysm with recurrent pulmonary emboli. J Vasc Surg 1990;12:316–318

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  43. Gunness T, Vernhet J, Carrie J, et al. Anéurysme de la veine poplitée responsable d’embolie pulmonaire. Semin Hosp Paris 1988;64:2145

    Google Scholar 

  44. Hallstensson S, Ljungman C, Rudström H, Björck M, et al. Yngling med claudicatio och lungembolism – ovanlig diagnos. Läkartidningen 2005;102:1152–1153

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  45. Hamdan M, Wagner J. [Aneurysm of the popliteal vein. Apropos of 1 case]. J Chir (Paris) 1991;128:388–389

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  46. Hansen LG, Boris P. [Aneurysm of the femoral and popliteal vein]. Radiologe 1986;26:210

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  47. Harolds JA, Friedman MH. Venous aneurysms. South Med J 1977;70:219–221

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  48. Helsted M, Vilmann P, Hancke S. Popliteal venous aneurysm. Eur J Vasc Surg 1988;2:263–265

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  49. Helsted M, Vilmann P, Jacobsen B, et al. Popliteal venous aneurysms with or without pulmonary embolism. Eur J Vasc Surg 1991;5:333–342

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  50. Heymans O, Choghari C, Lemaitre J, et al. Popliteal venous aneurysms. Report of a case and review of the literature. J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) 1999;40:695–698

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  51. Jack CR Jr, Sharma R, Vemuri RB. Popliteal venous aneurysm as a source of pulmonary emboli in a male: case report. Angiology 1984;35:54–57

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  52. Carlin R, McGraw D, Xenos E, et al. Popliteal venous aneurysm leading to massive pulmonary embolus in a child. A case report and literature review. Vasc Surg 1997;31:463–468

    Google Scholar 

  53. Katz ML, Comerota AJ. Diagnosis of a popliteal venous aneurysm by venous duplex imaging. J Ultrasound Med 1991;10:171–173

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  54. Katzenschlager R, Hold M, Hofmann J, et al. [Aneurysm of the popliteal vein]. Ultraschall Med 2001;22:195–198

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  55. Lacroix P, Cornu E, Boucher M, et al. [Popliteal venous aneurysm. Apropos of 2 cases]. Ann Cardiol Angeiol (Paris) 1993;42:406–408

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  56. Lang E, Bouwman O, Faiss J. [Recurrent lung embolisms in aneurysm of the popliteal vein]. Chirurg 1993;64:503–504

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  57. Leu AJ, Canova CR, Hoffmann U, et al. A soft popliteal mass and pulmonary embolism. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg 1999;18:270–272

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  58. Leung JC, Coel M, Ko J, et al. Pulmonary embolism from a popliteal vein aneurysm. Clin Nucl Med 1993;18:7–10

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  59. Manthey J, Munderloh KH, Mautner JP, et al. Popliteal venous aneurysm with pulmonary and paradoxical embolization. Vasa 1994;23:264–267

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  60. Marin J, Gosselin J, Khayat A, et al. [A case of an aneurysm of the popliteal vein with repeated pulmonary embolisms]. Phlebologie 1978;31:433–438

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  61. May R, Mignon G. [Spindleform aneurysms of the femoral and popliteal veins]. Rofo 1978;129:516

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  62. Mertens R, Corvalan F, Kramer A, et al. [Popliteal vein aneurysm]. Rev Med Chil 1999;127:78–81

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  63. Molgaard CP, Yucel EK, Waltman AC. Color Doppler flow imaging appearance of a popliteal venous aneurysm. J Vasc Interv Radiol 1992;3:431–433

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  64. Persson BG, Donner M, Petersson B, et al. Aneurysm of the popliteal vein as a cause of pulmonary embolism. Acta Med Scand 1980;208:407–410

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  65. Peterson D, Size G, Arcelus J, et al. Pulmonary embolism secondary to popliteal venous aneurysm. J Vasc Techn 1993;17:45–47

    Google Scholar 

  66. Ravelli C, Brizio L, Colotto P, et al. [Diagnostic approach to popliteal venous aneurysm]. Minerva Cardioangiol 1996;44:9–14

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  67. Ross GJ, Violi L, Barber LW, et al. Popliteal venous aneurysm. Radiology 1988;168:721–722

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  68. Roussel L, Timmermans T. Duplex sonographic findings in a popliteal vein aneurysm. J Belge Radiol 1990;73:501–503

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  69. Schmidberger H, Hackl A, Ludwig G. [Popliteal vein aneurysm]. Rofo 1979;131:553–554

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  70. Schupfner B, Osterziel K, Hohenberger P. [Aneurysm of the popliteal vein causing pulmonary thromboembolism that required resuscitation]. Dtsch Med Wochenschr 2002;127:1312–1316

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  71. Seiler C, Kocik J, Pelster F, et al. Die ausgedehnte venös-aneurysmatische Malformation der V. poplitea. Gefässchirurgie 2000;5:188–191

    Google Scholar 

  72. Seino Y, Fujimori H, Shimai S, et al. Popliteal venous aneurysm with pulmonary embolism. Intern Med 1994;33:779–782

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  73. Sigg P, Koella C, Stobe C, et al. Popliteal venous aneurysm, a cause of pulmonary embolism. Vasa 2003;32:221–224

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  74. Silvestri M, Villain P, Bouvier JL, et al. [Popliteal vein aneurysm: a rare cause of pulmonary embolism]. Presse Med 1987;16:2127

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  75. Tambyraja AL, Moores C, Chalmers RT. Primary popliteal venous aneurysm. J Vasc Surg 2004;40:830

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  76. Thiery L. [True aneurysm of the popliteal vein]. Phlebologie 1985;38:401–404

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  77. Toboski O, Kessler B. Thrombosiertes Aneurysma der V. poplitea als Ursache rezidivierender Lungembolien. Gefässchirurgie 2001;6:34–37

    Google Scholar 

  78. Tsolakis JA, Kakkos SK, Panagiotopoulus E. Popliteal venous aneurysm mimicking a soft tissue tumour. A case report. Int Angiol 1999;18:74–76

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  79. Walker PJ, McClintock S, Fitridge R. Popliteal vein aneurysm: an unusual source of pulmonary embolus. Aust N Z J Surg 1995;65:544–547

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  80. van Adrichem NP, Wiggers RH, Veen HF. Aneurysm of the popliteal vein with multiple pulmonary thrombo-emboli: a case report. Neth J Surg 1989;41:24–25

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  81. Vandendriessche M, Thiery L. [Aneurysm of the popliteal vein]. Acta Chir Belg 1986;86:37–40

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  82. Weimann S, Sandbichler P, Flora G. [Aneurysm of the popliteal vein as the source of a lung embolism]. Langenbecks Arch Chir 1986;367:107–112

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  83. Willinek WA, Strunk H, Born M, et al. Popliteal venous aneurysm with paradoxical embolization in a patient with patent foramen ovale. Circulation 2001;104:E60–1

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  84. Winchester D, Pearce WH, McCarthy WJ, et al. Popliteal venous aneurysms. Surgery 1993;114:600–607

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  85. Vitovec J. [Aneurysma venae popliteae (author’s transl)]. Cesk Radiol 1976;30:338–340

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  86. Vogl W, Brambs HJ. [Aneurysm of the popliteal artery: diagnostic error in duplex ultrasonography]. Rontgenpraxis 1996;49:1–3

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  87. Rachel A, Pearce WH. Venous malformations and aneurysms: evaluation and treatment. In Gloviczi P, Yao, J, (eds), Handbook of Venous Disorders, 2nd ed, Arnold; 2001;439–449

  88. Federman J, Anderson ST, Rosengarten DS, et al. Pulmonary embolism secondary to anomalies of deep venous system of the leg. Br Heart J 1977;39:547–552

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  89. Fernando C, Vallance S. Retrograde venography and colour Doppler imaging of a popliteal venous aneurysm. Australas Radiol 1993;37:323–324

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  90. Lev M, Saphir O. Endophlebohypertrophy and phlebosclerosis. I. The popliteal vein. AMA Arch Pathol 1951;51:154–178

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  91. Noon GP, Zamora JL, Pratt CM, et al. Popliteal vein pseudoaneurysm: a case report. Surgery 1984;96:942–945

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  92. Rich NM, Hobson RW, Collins GJ Jr., et al. The effect of acute popliteal venous interruption. Ann Surg 1976;183:365–368

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  93. Lindhagen A, Hallbook T. Venous function in the leg 20 years after ligation and partial resection of the popliteal vein. Acta Chir Scand 1982;148:131–134

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgical Sciences, Section of Surgery, University Hospital, Uppsala, SE-751 85, Sweden

    David Bergqvist MD, PhD, Martin Björck MD, PhD & Christer Ljungman MD, PhD

Authors
  1. David Bergqvist MD, PhD
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Martin Björck MD, PhD
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Christer Ljungman MD, PhD
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to David Bergqvist MD, PhD.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Bergqvist, D., Björck, M. & Ljungman, C. Popliteal Venous Aneurysm—A Systematic Review. World J. Surg. 30, 273–279 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00268-005-7982-y

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00268-005-7982-y

Keywords

Search

Navigation