Anatomic variations of popliteal artery: Evaluation with 128-section CT-angiography in 1261lower limbs.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the variations in popliteal artery branching in a large population on computed tomography angiography (CTA) using a 128-section configuration. A total of 652patients (532men, 120women) with a mean age of 61.7±18.1 (SD) years (range: 11-93years) who had CTA of the lower limbs with a total of 1261lower limbs (bilateral limbs in 609patients, unilateral limb in 43patients) were retrospectively included. CTA images were reviewed for popliteal artery branching and possible variations. The usual pattern of popliteal artery branching was observed in 1118limbs (88.7%) (typeIA) whereas branching variations without the usual pattern were found in 143limbs (11.3%). Forty limbs (3.2%) were categorized as typeI with non-classical patterns. Forty limbs (3.2%) showed typeII high-level bifurcation and 63limbs (4.9%) showed typeIII aplasia or hypoplasia. The typeIIC pattern was not observed. Importantly, one single case considered as hypoplasia of the peroneal artery and another case identified with a long tibioperoneal artery were categorized into new subgroups. Recognizing and evaluating variations in popliteal artery branches is important in terms of vascular surgery approaches and interventional vascular procedures. CTA is an effective screening method to show the vascular frame of lower extremities and variations of popliteal artery. Our study allowed identifying two new branching patterns of the popliteal artery not previously described in the literature.