Pulmonary embolism secondary to popliteal vein aneurysm: case report and literature review

Future Cardiol. 2022 Apr;18(4):309-314. doi: 10.2217/fca-2021-0071. Epub 2022 Jan 19.

Abstract

Aim: Aneurysms are rarely detected in the popliteal vein as only a few cases have been reported in the literature so far. However, such aneurysms can be fatal due to thromboembolic complications or rupture. Case presentation: A 47-year-old male who had multiple bilateral pulmonary embolisms secondary to saccular right popliteal vein aneurysm discovered by lower limb duplex ultrasound and successfully treated with tangential aneurysmectomy with venorrhaphy. Conclusion: Popliteal vein aneurysm should be ruled out as a cause of pulmonary embolism, and medical treatment should be started rapidly, but surgical management remains the gold standard.

Keywords: aneurysm; aneurysmorrhaphy; popliteal vein; pulmonary embolism.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aneurysm* / complications
  • Aneurysm* / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Popliteal Vein / surgery
  • Pulmonary Embolism* / complications
  • Thromboembolism*