Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome in a Young Girl: Case Report of a Rare Finding

Abstract

The popliteal artery (PA) entrapment syndrome, a rare cause of arterial thrombosis, is most often encountered in young male athletes. Here, we report a very unusual case of PA entrapment syndrome in a 14-year-old girl who presented with a 1-month history of calf claudication to our observation facility. Diagnostic work-up revealed obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and an aberrant accessory slip of the medial head of gastrocnemius around the PA. Arterial echo color Doppler ultrasonography and computed tomographic angiography studies were performed. Surgical treatment involved revascularization with resection of the medial head of gastrocnemius, the cause of the arterial entrapment, and enlargement angioplasty using an autologous saphenous vein patch, in combination with antiplatelet therapy, resulting in restitution ad integrum of the affected limb and, finally, an improved quality of life of the patient. This case underscores the importance of clinical suspicion, diagnosis, and treatment of lower-limb claudication in very young patients presenting with unusual symptoms. If missed, the condition may evolve dramatically. Prompt diagnosis and surgical treatment are key to complete recovery and the prevention of irreversible complications that may result in limb loss.