Intermittent claudication in young athletes: Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome

Abstract

The intermittent compression of the popliteal artery by the medial of the gastrocnemius muscle is one of the causes of intermittent claudication in young athletes. In this report we present two such cases which emphasize the importance of the clinical aspects of this pathologic entity. Early diagnosis of the entrapped ar teries eventually leads to diagnosis of thrombosis and peripheral ischemia. The popliteal entrapment syn drome should not be confused with chronic posterior compartment syndrome during exercise.

Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome

“…T h e definitive investigation for a chronic compartment syndrome is compartment pressure measurement during exercise and for a popliteal artery entrapment on arteriogram with the foot in neutral, full plantar flexion and full dorsiflexion, (Lysens et al, 1983). When the compartment pressure in a patient with a suspected chronic compartment syndrome decreases with exercise a popliteal artery entrapment syndrome should at least be considered (Bell, 1985).…”

Popliteal entrapment syndrome. A systematic review of the literature and case presentation

“…23-year-old student syndrome. Lysens RJ et al 46 Intermittent claudication in young 1974 J Trauma. Intermittent claudication in young athletes: popliteal artery entrapment athletes: popliteal artery entrapment syndrome.…”

Ultrasound is a critical adjunct in the diagnosis and treatment of popliteal entrapment syndrome

“…7 Our workup (demonstrated in the Video, online only) begins with a very careful history and physical examination, looking for typical presenting complaints, signs, symptoms, and physical examination findings consistent with popliteal entrapment syndrome. 8 Classically, patients are young and active without a history of typical atherosclerotic etiology and present with worsening symptoms following strenuous exercise, particularly when exercising on a graded surface (attributable to compression of the artery by the gastrocnemius and soleus during repetitive plantar flexion). On physical examination, they also have obliteration of the pedal pulses on examination with aggressive plantar flexion.…”