Popliteal Aneurysm

Question 1

At what size is the popliteal artery considered an aneurysm?

Answer 1

2cm

Question 2

What are risk factors for a PA?

Answer 2

• Sex: male
• Age : older
• Diabetes mellitus
• BP high
• Elevated cholesterol (hyperlipidaemia)
• Tobacco
• Familial history of CV diseases - AAA

Question 3

What are the symptoms and signs of a PA?

Answer 3

• Most asymptomatic
• 40% associated with AAA
• Claudication
• 6P’s of acute ischaemia
• PALPABLE popliteal pulse (usually hard to feel unless skinny)

Question 4

What investigations would you perform?

Answer 4

• Duplex USS of popliteal arteries
• Angiogram will demonstrate distal run-off

Question 5

What are the treatment options of PA?

Answer 5

• Surgery for symptomatic or >2.5cm
  
  • Exclusion and bypass using vein graft
• Thrombolysis for acutely thrombosed artery
• Amputation if aneurysm becomes occluded and there is no distal vessel flow for successful bypass