Bilateral Functional Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome: A Rare Familial Occurrence

Abstract

Functional popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (FPAES) is a rare disorder most commonly affecting young, athletic females. We report a case of two sisters, both collegiate athletes, found to have bilateral FPAES confirmed with magnetic resonance imaging and conventional dynamic angiography. In both cases, imaging demonstrated near occlusion of bilateral suprageniculate popliteal arteries during active plantarflexion. Both patients were then treated with medial head gastrocnemius myomectomy. One sister achieved complete resolution of symptoms with no recurrence at 2-year follow-up. The other sister developed recurrent symptoms and was treated with a revisional soleal sling release. This study highlights the rarity of the disorder among siblings and also provides a review of the diagnostic and management approaches for FPAES.

Keywords

functional popliteal artery entrapment syndrome - familial inheritance - medial head gastrocnemius myomectomy - frequent misdiagnosis - angiography - sisters/siblings - botulinum toxin A

Publication History

Article published online:
31 July 2025

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