A pseudoaneurysm refers to a defect in an arterial wall, which allows the communication of arterial blood with the adjacent extraluminal space. Blood extravasates out of the artery, but is contained by surrounding soft tissue which forms a cavity or sac. Pseudoaneurysms are typically the result of traumatic arterial injury. With the increasing utilisation of percutaneous arterial interventions worldwide, iatrogenic arterial injury has become the predominant cause of pseudoaneurysm formation. The highest incidence of iatrogenic pseudoaneurysm formation is observed in the common femoral artery as a result of inadequate haemostasis of the arterial puncture site following catheterisation procedures, followed by the popliteal artery. Patients with popliteal pseudoaneurysms typically present with pain and swelling of the affected area (calf), along with a palpable mass which may be pulsatile with a thrill or bruit. Small pseudoaneurysms can resolve spontaneously without intervention. Persistent pseudoaneurysms may increase and lead to complications related to compression of the vein, nerve and overlying tissues. This can lead to swelling of the legs, deep vein thrombosis, compressive neuropathy and skin necrosis. Although rare, pseudoaneurysms can spread and eventually rupture. Imaging is a mandatory part of the diagnostic protocol for popliteal artery pseudoaneurysms. Doppler ultrasound, CT or MRI examinations performed with contrast and angiography are useful in determining pseudoaneurysmal masses. Doppler ultrasound is the most commonly chosen method for diagnosing pseudoaneurysms, with a sensitivity of 94% and a specificity of 97% in the detection of pseudoaneurysms. On Doppler ultrasound, a pseudoaneurysm appears as a hypoechoic sac adjacent to the affected artery, with the color flux observed inside it. Computed tomography angiography is another effective way of diagnosis, especially in centers without easy access to vascular ultrasound services. It is also useful in cases where Doppler ultrasound findings are ambiguous or the anatomy is not well defined. Open surgical treatment has been considered the gold standard for iatrogenic pseudoaneurysms because the arterial defect is permanently repaired.
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