Endovascular repair of a ruptured popliteal artery aneurysm associated with popliteal arteriovenous fistula

Abstract

Popliteal artery aneurysms (PAAs) represent the most common peripheral arterial aneurysm and are a significant cause of patient morbidity and limb loss. Complications of PAA include distal embolisation, thrombosis and, rarely, rupture. Whereas open surgical repair remains the gold standard, endovascular exclusion has been demonstrated to be a valid alternative in selected patients. We present an unusual case of ruptured PAA associated with popliteal vein arteriovenous fistula that was successfully treated with an endovascular approach. In our opinion, higher-risk patients as well as patients presenting with rupture may constitute a subgroup warranting an endovascular approach whenever possible.