Compression Of Popliteal Artery Research Articles

Dynamic Imaging is the Ideal Modality for the Diagnosis of Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome

Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome (PAES) is a rare vascular condition with significant equipoise on how to properly diagnose and evaluate relevant imaging. This can lead to misdiagnosis and delay in surgical management. The objective of this study is to describe and compare distinct imaging features of dynamic versus static images to help determine the ideal imaging modality for diagnosis of PAES. This is a retrospective review of patients referred for PAES at a single institution. We reviewed non-invasive imaging studies, diagnostic arteriograms, and cross-sectional images which include computed tomography angiography (CTA) or magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). For each affected and unaffected extremity, the characteristic collaterals for PAES were named and measured on arteriogram using Picture Archiving and Communication Software (PACS). Available cross-sectional images were also analyzed and compared with arteriogram and intraoperative findings during surgical exploration. There were 23 patients referred for PAES who underwent diagnostic evaluation and surgical management between 2013 and 2022. All patients had a duplex ultrasound that revealed a mean popliteal peak-systolic velocity (PSV) of 78 cm/sec at rest. With forced plantar flexion, the PSV increased to a mean 175 cm/sec. A total of 12 extremities had complete loss of flow with provocation during duplex ultrasound. All patients underwent diagnostic angiography of 46 extremities. All limbs with PAES (n=35) exhibited complete popliteal artery occlusion during angiography with forced plantar flexion. Distinct angiographic findings on resting images included a well-developed medial sural artery in 100% of limbs with PAES with a mean diameter of 2.7 mm. In limbs without PAES, only 80% had a visualized medial sural artery on arteriogram with a mean diameter of 2.0 mm (p=0.1). A lateral sural artery was seen in 85% of affected extremities (mean diameter of 1.8 mm) while an anterior tibial recurrent artery was seen in 59% of affected extremities (mean diameter of 1.3 mm). In unaffected limbs, there were no visible lateral sural or anterior tibial recurrent arteries. The mean contrast used with diagnostic arteriograms was 58 milliliters (range 10-100 milliliters). Axial imaging was available for 9 affected extremities. Five had a previous MRA with only 1 being truly positive for arterial compression. Four extremities had previous CTA with 3 being falsely negative despite having type 3 PAES discovered during surgical exploration. Dynamic imaging with angiography provides immediate surgeon feedback by visualizing popliteal artery compression and enlarged sural collaterals during resting arteriography. The medial sural collateral is enlarged in patients with PAES and often the lateral sural and anterior tibial recurrent arteries can be visualized as well. CTA and MRA are associated with high false-negative rates and therefore cause delays in diagnosis and surgical management of PAES. Dynamic imaging should therefore be the gold standard for the diagnosis of PAES.

Popliteal Entrapment Syndrome: Diagnostic, Surgical Management, and Short-Term Results of a Ten-Year Experience

Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES) is a rare cause of lower limb claudication in young sportsperson without cardiovascular risk factor. We reported our diagnostic approach, surgical management, and short-term outcomes of this syndrome, over a 10-year period. Sportsperson with intermittent claudication systematically received color duplex ultrasonography with dynamic maneuvers in the sport medicine department. In case of PAES suspicion, diagnosis was confirmed by dynamic computed tomography or dynamic magnetic resonance angiography. Each patient was then evaluated by a vascular surgeon and surgery was performed. We retrospectively screened patients who underwent PAES surgery between 2010 and 2020 in the Department of Surgery in Angers University Hospital. Between January 2010 and December 2020, 38 patients with 67 symptomatic legs underwent surgery for PAES. Twenty three (60.5%) were men. The mean age at the time of surgery was 24.7 +/- 9years. Clinical presentation was bilateral in 30 patients (81.1%). Duplex ultrasound demonstrated severe stenosis or occlusion in 45 legs (77%). When performed, CT-scan demonstrated popliteal artery compression in all cases (100%). As per Whelan and Rich classification, 36 patients (94.7%) had type 6 PAES. There was no mortality or severe complication after surgery. Morbidity included 4 postoperative hematoma (6%) and 8 prolonged healing (13%). The mean time of follow-up was 2.3months +/- 1.2months. After surgery, D-scan showed no signs of remaining popliteal artery compression in 92.5% of the case. Twelve patients (33.3%) were able to resume sport, 18 (50%) partially, and 6 (16.6%) did not resume sport yet. We report a cohort of 38 patients who underwent surgery for PAES. Among them, 36 (94.7%) were functional PAES. Morbidity included 13% of prolonged healing. Two months follow-up demonstrated good results at dynamic D-scan without signs of remaining popliteal artery compression in 92.5% of the cases. These short-term results showed that one-third of patients were able to resume sport activity at an initial level.

The plantaris muscle: too important to be forgotten. A review of evolution, anatomy, clinical implications and biomechanical properties.

Plantaris muscle (lat. musculus plantaris) is a fusiform muscle of the superficial posterior leg compartment, characterized with a small muscle belly and very long and slender tendon. Many anatomical variations of plantaris muscle have been reported previously, including its inconstancy. Evolutional studies strongly suggest that plantaris muscle is a rudimentary muscle that plays minor role in gait biomechanics. However, plantaris muscle seems to have very important proprioceptive role since it has very high density of muscle spindles. Clinically, plantaris muscle is involved in differential diagnosis of posterior leg pain and several pathological entities such as: plantaris muscle rupture, non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy and popliteal artery compression syndrome. Different surgical specialties have recognized plantaris muscle tendon as a valuable graft. However, literature on plantaris muscle tendon biomechanical properties is rather scant and inconsistent with several limitations for proper data comparison and interpretation. Further comparative studies are needed to properly define biomechanical properties of plantaris muscle tendon grafts for various ligament and tendon reconstructive procedures.

FUNCTIONAL POPLITEAL ARTERY ENTRAPMENT SYNDROME: INVESTIGATION WITH DYNAMIC AND DOPPLER ULTRASOUND

A. Background Functional popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (fPAES), a cause of exertional leg pain, has a clinical presentation and clinical findings that are often indistinguishable from those of other leg pain causes (1). This condition may also coexist and overlap in symptomatology with other leg pain causes, further complicating the diagnosis (2). Although fPAES is usually considered a rare cause of leg pain (3), the true incidence of this condition is unknown, and fPAES is likely underdiagnosed and underreported (4). A missed diagnosis may result in disease progression and the use of unnecessary invasive procedures (3), and untreated fPAES may lead to popliteal artery damage, embolization, and limb ischemia (5). Although a diagnostic method using a combination of dynamic ultrasound and MR imaging/MR angiography has been described for fPAES (5), to our knowledge, no investigational studies have been performed to assess the dynamic ultrasound findings in this entity. This study sought to evaluate the usefulness of dynamic plantar flexion and dorsiflexion of the calf and the effect on the popliteal artery Doppler waveform in patients with clinically suspected fPAES and no structural abnormality. B. Methods We performed a retrospective review of ultrasound studies in patients who presented with clinically suspected PAES over a 3-year period. The ultrasound studies consisted of an anatomic survey of the popliteal. Dynamic nonresistant dorsiflexion and plantar flexion evaluations of the popliteal artery plus spectral Doppler evaluations of the popliteal artery obtained in neutral, plantar flexion, and dorsiflexion positions were performed before and after patients exercised. Patients with anatomic abnormalities were excluded. The following parameters were assessed: The proportion of symptomatic knees versus asymptomatic knees in which plantar flexion and/or dorsiflexion of the foot resulted in popliteal artery compression. The peak systolic velocity (PSV) of the popliteal artery in all positions for knees with and knees without dynamic popliteal artery compression. The absolute value change in PSV of the popliteal artery from neutral to plantar flexion and from neutral to dorsiflexion in the pre- and postexercise state for knees with and knees without dynamic popliteal artery compression. ROC analysis for clustered data was used to assess the ability of PSV to distinguish between knees with and knees without arterial compression. C. Results A total of 88 knees (77 symptomatic, 11 asymptomatic) in 45 patients were included in the study. Dynamic arterial compression was observed in 38% (29/77) of symptomatic knees. No compression seen in asymptomatic knees. Both pre-exercise and postexercise knees with arterial compression had significantly higher absolute changes in PSV from neutral to plantar flexion versus knees without arterial compression (Table). There was a smaller significant change in PSV from neutral to dorsiflexion in the pre-exercise state. There was no significant change in PSV in the postexercise state from neutral to dorsiflexion or with respect to PSV values at any position between knees with and knees without arterial compression. D. Conclusions/Significance In patients with clinically suspected PAES without anatomic abnormality, dynamic ultrasound demonstrated compression of the popliteal artery in 38% of knees. No dynamic arterial compression was seen in asymptomatic knees. There was a significant elevation in PSV from neutral to plantar flexion in pre- and postexercise states and from pre-exercise neutral to dorsiflexion positions in knees with arterial compression versus knees without arterial compression. Tables [Table: see text] References Joy SM, Raudales R. Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome. Curr Sports Med Rep. 2015;14(5):364-367. Hislop M, Kennedy D, Cramp B, Dhupelia S. Functional popliteal artery entrapment syndrome: poorly understood and frequently missed? A review of clinical features, appropriate investigations, and treatment options. J Sports Med (Hindawi Publ Corp). 2014;2014:105953. Gaunder C, McKinney B, Rivera J. Popliteal artery entrapment or chronic exertional compartment syndrome? Case Rep Med. 2017;2017:6981047 Hislop M, Brideaux A, Dhupelia S. Functional popliteal artery entrapment syndrome: use of ultrasound guided Botox injection as a non-surgical treatment option. Skeletal Radiol. 2017;46(9):1241-1248. Williams C, Kennedy D, Bastian-Jordan M, Hislop M, Cramp B, Dhupelia S. A new diagnostic approach to popliteal artery entrapment syndrome. J Med Radiat Sci. 2015;62(3):226-229.

Knee Implant Dislocation Leading to Major Amputation 13 Years Later

IntroductionInjury to the popliteal vessels during total knee replacement is rare but can lead to catastrophic outcomes.ReportAn 81 year old female presented with Rutherford IIb acute left limb ischaemia (ALI) 13 years after total knee replacement. The polyethylene insert in the knee implant had dislocated from the other components and had moved into the popliteal fossa, leading to popliteal artery compression. She underwent emergency multidisciplinary surgery including removal of the polyethylene component, thrombectomy, and popliteal artery stenting, but major amputation was required. The popliteal artery and the stent were removed and submitted to histological analysis. The stent was well expanded but focal malapposition was observed.ConclusionRegular follow up is mandatory in order to anticipate malfunction of the prosthesis and avoid long term complications.

Value of color Doppler ultrasonography in diagnosing cystic adventitial disease of the popliteal artery

Objective To evaluate the value of color Doppler ultrasonography in diagnosing cystic adventitial disease of the popliteal artery. Methods The ultrasonographic images of 12 patients with cystic adventitial disease of the popliteal artery confirmed by surgery and pathology were retrospectivly analyzed. The ultrasonographic features were summarized. Results The ultrasonographic images showed the location, number, size and the compression of popliteal artery. Cystic adventitial disease of the popliteal artery showed cystic masses within popliteal artery wall. The tunica media and tunica externa were separated. Slender separations could be found in some cysts. Color Doppler ultrasonography showed no blood flow inside the cysts. When the popliteal artery was compressed, the velocity of blood flow increased significantly. The affected popliteal artery diameter was less than that of the contralateral side [(2.858±1.256)mm vs (5.500±0.095)mm, t=7.531, P<0.01], the peak flow velocity of the affected popliteal artery was higher than that of the contralateral side [(213.750±119.464)cm/s vs (57.417±4.209)cm/s, t=4.465, P<0.01], the peak flow velocity of the affected posterior tibial artery was lower than that of the contralateral side [(32.417±14.569)cm/s vs (47.250±4.115)cm/s, t=4.318, P<0.01]. Conclusions Color Doppler ultrasonography is the preferred imaging method for diagnosis of cystic adventitial disease of the popliteal artery. Key words: Ultrasonography, Doppler, color; Popliteal artery; Cysts

Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome (PAES) and Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI), any association?

Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome (PAES) is an uncommon pathology. Often, it affects young athletic males, with symptoms like calf claudication, weakness, numbness, pain, coldness of the foot, cramps, foot drop and paresthesia. The etiology of this syndrome is related to anatomical variations determining an altered relationship between popliteal artery and the surrounding structures. Based on described anatomical variations, PAES has been classified in several types (type I to V). In other cases, the compression of the popliteal artery may be caused by the hypertrophic gastrocnemius muscle, without anatomical variations, defining a “functional popliteal entrapment” (type VI). [1]. The Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) is the ratio of the systolic blood pressure measured at the ankle to that measured at the brachial artery. It’s a non-invasive measure of peripheral artery disease and can serve as a prognostic marker for cardiovascular events and functional impairment [2]. The ABI score is often pathological in patients affected by PAES. Nevertheless, to define diagnosis and type of PAES are often needed imaging studies and invasive procedures. The aim of the present study is to systematically review the available literature to define if ABI score could be useful to predict a specific type of PAES. Electronic databases have been searched using specific Keywords. Articles have been screened and full-texts of relevant papers have been retrieved. Case reports and case series with indications of symptoms, type of PAES, ABI score have been included. Results about ABI score (dependent variable) have been pooled and compared among types of PAES (independent variable). No statistical significance has been noted (ANOVA: F=1.9, p=0.09). The use of ABI is insufficient to predict the type of PAES and its prognosis. Nevertheless, this non-invasive method could be useful to suspect PAES and as a tool in follow up in these patients.

Intermittent Claudication Caused by Popliteal Artery Compression of Popliteal Cyst

Intermittent Claudication Caused by Popliteal Artery Compression of Popliteal Cyst

Compression of the Popliteal Artery after Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using the Tibial Inlay Technique.

Popliteal artery compression rarely occurs after posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction using the tibial inlay technique that allows for direct visualization of the surgical field. However, we experienced a popliteal artery compression after PCL reconstruction performed using the technique, which eventually required re-operation. Here, we report this rare case and discuss reasons of popliteal artery compression.

Popliteal entrapment syndrome and age

On the occasion of diagnosing a popliteal entrapment syndrome in a 59-year old man with no cardiovascular risk factors, who developed acute ischemic leg pain during long distance running, we give an overview on this entity with emphasis on patients' age. The different types of the popliteal artery compression syndrome are summarized. The diagnostic and therapeutic approaches are discussed. The most important clinical sign of a popliteal entrapment syndrome is the lack of atherosclerotic risk factors in patients with limited walking distance. Not only in young athletes but also in patients more than 50 years old the popliteal entrapment syndrome has to be taken into account.

Popliteal vascular entrapment syndrome caused by variant lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle leading to pulmonary artery embolism

A young man with popliteal vascular entrapment syndrome (PVES) presented with arterial occlusion, deep venous thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary artery embolism, and pulmonary hypertension. He received computer tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Both CT and MRI showed that the left thrombosed popliteal vein and artery were entrapped by a variant lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle. The anomalous slip originated from the lateral head of left gastrocnemius muscle and ended between the medial and lateral femoral condyles. PVES Type V was diagnosed. Compression of the popliteal vein without arterial compression can be explained by the more lateral location of the popliteal vein relative to the artery and its proximity to the lateral head of the gastrocnemius. Compression of the popliteal vein with arterial compression was found in this patient. Compression of popliteal vein and artery in this patient led to DVT and arterial occlusion. The case was the first reported case accompanied by popliteal vein and artery thrombosis caused by variant lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle. Radiologists and doctors should continue to look for possible abnormalities in the popliteal fossa in young patients with peripheral vascular disease because early diagnosis of PVES allows better choices and outcomes of treatment.

A case of popliteal artery entrapment syndrome with chronic total occlusion.

Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES) is rare congenital anomaly that occurs due to compression of the popliteal artery by adjacent musculotendinous structures. We report a 54-year-old woman with PAES of total popliteal arterial occlusion was successfully treated by release of the muscle bundle and reconstruction of the popliteal artery. Pathologic examination revealed that the extracted portion of the popliteal artery had chronic total occlusion with fibrosis and destruction of internal elastic membrane. We should deliberate whether we reconstruct the popliteal artery in addition to release of the aberrant muscle bundle due to the preoperative examination to prevent the reoperation.

Assessment of the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle in functional compression of the popliteal artery

Assessment of the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle in functional compression of the popliteal artery

Assessment of the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle in functional compression of the popliteal artery

Nonfunctional popliteal entrapment is due to embryologic maldevelopment within the popliteal fossa. Functional entrapment occurs in the apparent absence of an anatomic abnormality. Gastrocnemius hypertrophy has been associated with the latter. Both forms of entrapment may cause arterial injury and lower limb ischemia. This study assessed the attachment of the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle in healthy occluders and healthy nonoccluders. Provocative tests were used to identify 58 nonoccluders and 16 occluders. Ten subjects from each group underwent magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of the popliteal fossa. The medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle attachment was assessed in the supracondylar, pericondylar, and intercondylar areas. In the occluder group, significantly more muscle was attached towards the femoral midline (supracondylar), around the lateral border of the medial condyle (pericondylar), and within the intercondylar fossa. The more extensive midline position of the medial head of the gastrocnemius in occluders is likely to be a normal embryological variation. Forceful contraction results in compression and occlusion of the adjacent popliteal artery. The clinical significance of these anatomic variations remains unclear. However, these new observations may provide insight for future analysis of the causes and natural history of functional compression and the potential progression to clinical entrapment.

Popliteal artery entrapment.

Abstract Two patients are presented, both in their fourth decade, with popliteal artery obstruction resulting from an anomalous muscle slip. The diagnosis and treatment of popliteal artery compression resulting from congenital abnormalities are discussed.

Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome: More common than previously recognized

Purpose: This report summarizes our experience with the popliteal entrapment syndrome in 88 limbs (48 patients) treated during a 10-year period. Method: The study cohort consisted of a retrospective analysis of those patients who were seen with symptoms of claudication or severe ischemia by a single surgical group and in whom unequivocal evidence of popliteal entrapment was shown either with angiography or at the time of operation. The cases were collected prospectively in a private vascular surgical practice. Results: Bilateral popliteal entrapment was found in 40 of the 48 patients. The mean age at the time of presentation was 35.0 years (SD, 11.6 years). Claudication was the most frequent presenting symptom (70 of 88 limbs). Types I, II, III, and IV popliteal entrapment were found in 58 limbs (15 arteries occluded), and 30 limbs (three occlusions) were seen with a “functional” popliteal artery entrapment (apparent absence of a developmental anatomic abnormality). Of the 18 limbs with severe ischemia and associated occlusion of the popliteal artery, 15 underwent bypass grafting with reversed saphenous vein grafts, all of which remained patent during the follow-up period (median follow-up, 4.2 years; range, 1 to 10 years). One popliteal artery occlusion that was treated with thrombectomy and vein patching occluded within 6 months and necessitated subsequent vein grafting. Two limbs with inoperable occluded popliteal arteries were not subjected to reconstruction (one necessitated amputation because of advanced ischemia, and the second had extensive thrombosis of the distal run-off). In two patients (four limbs), moderate presenting symptoms abated without surgery after the discontinuation of an extreme exercise program. The remaining limbs underwent surgical decompression (all popliteal arteries remained patent, with a median follow-up of 3.9 years). Conclusion: The popliteal entrapment syndrome is more prevalent than has formerly been appreciated. On the basis of observations made in this series and in the surgical literature, we advise surgical correction in all cases of types I, II, III, and IV entrapment at the time of diagnosis to avoid occlusion as a result of continued arterial wall degeneration. In contrast, decompression is only advised in those patients with “functional entrapment” if they have discrete and typical symptoms because up to 50% of the normal population may display transient popliteal artery compression with extremes of plantar flexion or dorsiflexion. On the basis of the severe histologic changes found in those popliteal arteries that had undergone occlusion at the time of presentation, it is advised that the popliteal artery should be completely replaced, ideally with a vein graft, when significant degeneration or occlusion of the popliteal artery is noted at the time of operation. (J Vasc Surg 1999;30:587-98.)

Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome.

Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES) is a rare cause of exercise-induced leg pain. Entrapment occurs because of an abnormal relationship between the popliteal artery and the surrounding myofascial structures in the popliteal fossa. Arterial insufficiency in the affected limb arises with entrapment of the artery, commonly giving leg symptoms with exertion. The true incidence of PAES in the general population is not known. The aetiology of PAES has an embryological basis related to the development of the popliteal artery and the surrounding musculature. Many different classification schemes have been developed to differentiate the various types of abnormal anatomy that are associated with the syndrome. Repeated popliteal artery compression causes trauma to the arterial wall, leading to premature localised atherosclerosis. The pathology of PAES is believed to be progressive, with arterial thrombosis occurring in some individuals as a natural progression of the disease process. Acute ischaemia can occur if there is an occlusion of the artery or thrombosis within an aneurysm. Clinically, up to 85% of individuals diagnosed with the syndrome are males. The mean age of individuals in a large series was 28 years. The condition can be found bilaterally in 25% of cases. Most individuals present with exercise-induced leg pain, the remainder presenting with acute or chronic ischaemia. The condition can result in significant functional loss for active individuals. Surgery has been advocated to prevent the progression of the disease that is believed to be the natural history of untreated PAES. However, the little research that has been done to determine the prognosis for individuals who have undergone surgery has focused on the patency rate of the arteries after surgery and the presence or absence of complications. Research needs to be done to look at the natural history of untreated PAES and the functional status of athletes after undergoing PAES surgery.

Popliteal artery compression and force of active plantar flexion in young healthy volunteers.

To define the prevalence of popliteal artery occlusion during active plantar flexion in normally active and highly trained young volunteers by measuring plantar flexion force and to assess the force level associated with popliteal artery occlusion. Eighty-four limbs of 42 healthy subjects were studied. Eighteen subjects were highly trained athletes, and 24 were normally active persons. Plantar flexion was progressively performed in prone position against a scale. Plantar flexion force was measured in kilograms. After determination of the maximum strength (Pmax) of plantar flexion force, the level necessary to occlude the popliteal artery (Poccl) was assessed by continuously monitoring that vessel using color duplex sonography. Occlusion of the popliteal artery during plantar flexion was observed in 88.1% of the subjects and 77.4% of the limbs. No significant differences in prevalence were found between athletes and normally active subjects. The popliteal artery occluded at a mean plantar flexion force of 45.1 +/- 11.5 kg, which corresponded with 70.1% +/- 16.8% of the maximum force exerted during the provocation test. Poccl was not significantly different between lower limbs of athletes and nonathletes. Although in lower limbs of athletes the popliteal artery occluded at a significantly lower relative force as compared with normally active subjects (65.6% +/- 17.4% vs 74.5% +/- 17.4% of Pmax; p < 0.02), the difference was a result of two extremely low values found in a female athlete. Positional occlusion of the popliteal artery during active plantar flexion is commonly found in young healthy volunteers. Prevalence of the phenomenon depends on the force level exerted during active plantar flexion. Popliteal artery occlusion during active plantar flexion is not more frequent in athletes and occurs at a similar force level than in normally active subjects.

A new therapeutic approach to popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES)

An alternative therapeutic approach to popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES) with vascular complications. Three male patients (16, 42 and 68 years) with thrombotic and/or embolic obstructions of popliteal or crural vessels as a consequence of popliteal entrapment syndrome. Combined catheter treatment consisting of percutaneous transluminal thrombembolectomy (PTEE), local thrombolysis (LTL) and percutaneous transluminal dilatation (PTA) was performed for thrombotic and embolic obstructions of popliteal or crural vessels. The aberrant tendomuscular structures were surgically corrected at a later date. After the procedure systolic ankle/arm pressure ratios in the three patients improved from 0.66 to 1.13, 0.57 to 1.07 and 0.46 to 1.10. Twelve, 8 and 4 months later the patients were asymptomatic. None of the patients showed popliteal artery compression during plantar flexion on Duplex scanning. This new therapeutic approach avoids direct vascular surgery with bypass or patch implantation in patients with PAES who are often young. The long term results remain to be evaluated.

Popliteal artery stenosis caused by a Baker's cyst

Popliteal artery compression may be caused by a Baker's cyst as documented by this case report. Typically this occurs in a relatively young patient without other evidence of atherosclerosis. The ischemic symptoms may be intermittent. Treatment should include resection of the offending cyst and any damaged popliteal artery.