Mistaken Identity of Popliteal Artery Pseudoaneurysm for Deep Vein Thrombosis: a Case Report

Abstract

Popliteal artery aneurysms are often incorrectly diagnosed and subsequently mismanaged with resultant preventable complications. We present a case of a swollen lower extremity clinically resembling a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), following tibial fracture fixation. It was treated as a DVT on the basis of ultrasound imaging at a different hospital. Subsequent imaging showed a popliteal artery pseudoaneurysm for which the patient required 'acute' surgical intervention. DVTs and popliteal artery aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms may coexist. We stress the importance of searching for them in patients with suspected DVT, despite an ultrasound scan (USS) which is negative or positive for thrombosis.