Popliteal Venous Aneurysm With Pulmonary Embolism: A Case Report

Popliteal venous aneurysm (PVA) is defined as an increase in the diameter of the popliteal vein, twice its normal dimension. Herein, we report a case of right PVA with severe pulmonary embolism in a 75-year-old woman who presented with sudden chest tightness and dyspnea. Clinical examination revealed hypotension and hypoxemia. Radiographic investigations revealed extensive pulmonary embolism and right fusiform PVA. Following thrombolysis, her blood pressure and oxygen saturation normalized. However, she developed right calf swelling, and angiography revealed a thrombus in the right PVA, which was managed by catheter-directed thrombolysis. Thereafter, a vascular bypass was performed using the left great saphenous vein as a conduit to treat recurrent thrombosis. Subsequent venography indicated a patent vein graft, acceptable blood flow velocity, no thrombosis residue, and no significant thrombosis. Follow-ups at 3, 6, and 12 months revealed satisfactory outcomes. In conclusion, if the systemic condition is conducive, a surgical resection and reconstruction of the popliteal vein is recommended for the treatment of PVAs.