Abstract
Popliteal vein aneurysm (PVAs), though uncommon, can be a cause of pulmonary emboli.
They can also result in pulmonary vein embolism despite the use of anticoagulation
therapy. We report the case of an otherwise fit, 64-year-old male who had a history
of sudden onset of dyspnea on exercise with near syncope. A computed tomography pulmonary
angiogram confirmed filling defects in the lung bases in keeping with pulmonary emboli.
He was anticoagulated and a venous duplex scan revealed a fusiform suprageniculate
PVA with no evidence of thrombus in the lumen. He underwent resection of the aneurysm
with lateral vein patch graft repair and was placed on anticoagulation for 6 months
with no recurrence after 2 years of follow-up. PVAs are rare and can either be symptomatic
or asymptomatic. We advise early surgical treatment to prevent the significant morbidity
and mortality associated with thromboembolization. Written consent was obtained from
the patient for publication of case and use of images.
Keywords
popliteal vein - pulmonary angiogram - aneurysm - venogram
