Chronic lower leg swelling caused by isolated popliteal venous entrapment

Abstract

Isolated popliteal vein entrapment is a rare pathologic condition. Mimicking any venous pathology, a high degree of suspicion is mandatory for diagnosis. We describe a case of a 50-year-old woman, suffering from excessive swelling and heaviness of her left leg for more than 15 years. The ascending venography at functional positions of the feet demonstrated the entrapment. A rich collateral venous network appeared in the popliteal area at plantar foot's flexion. Surgical division of a wide soleus aponeurosis decompressed the vein. At the 2-year follow-up, the patient remains free of recurrence.