Diagnosis and treatment of popliteal artery entrapment syndrome

Abstract

Objective To summarize our experience in the diagnosis and management of popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES). Methods This is a retrospective study on 10 patients (13 limbs)who were admitted for symptoms of claudication and the diagnosis of popliteal entrapment was established either with angiography,computed tomographic angiography,magnetic resonance angiogram or during the operation in recent 7 years (2002-2009).All patients were treated surgically. Results The mean age at the time of presentation was (25 ±7) years old (range,17-41 years).Claudication was the most frequent presenting symptom (12 limbs).The surgical procedures consisted of simple musculotendinous dissociation in 1 limb,thrombectomy with balloon angioplasty in 1 limb,musculotendinous dissociation plus thromboendarterectomy with autogenous saphenous vein (ASV)patch angioplasty in 2 limbs,ASV graft interposition or bypass in 6 limbs and graft interposition or bypass in 3 limbs.At a median follow-up of (35 ±27) months (range,2 months-7 years),there were no intraoperative or long-term postoperative complications and all the patients were cured. Conclusions PAES is an unusual but important cause of peripheral vascular insufficiency especially in young patients.A combined approach is necessary for diagnosis.Popliteal artery release alone or with vein bypass or reconstruction is the treatment of choice. Key words: Syndrome; Vascular surgical procedures; Popliteal artery; Diagnosis