Poplitealarterienaneurysma

Beyond the Baker's Cyst: Pathology and Variant Anatomy in the Popliteal Fossa on Routine Knee MRI

“…Popliteal artery aneurysms (PAAs) represent approximately 70% to 80% of all peripheral aneurysms and are primarily found in older males with atherosclerosis, with an overall incidence of 1%. 15 Complications include distal thromboembolism, aneurysmal progression, and rupture. 15 About half of PAAs occur bilaterally, and up to half of patients with…”

“…15 Complications include distal thromboembolism, aneurysmal progression, and rupture. 15 About half of PAAs occur bilaterally, and up to half of patients with…”

“…11,12 Almost all popliteal cysts are associated with a disorder of the knee, such PAAs additionally experience other large vessel aneurysms. 15 Therefore, screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) should be performed in those with clinically detectable PAAs, as AAAs have been found in up to 62% of symptomatic patients. 16 Diagnosis is established with focal dilatation of the popliteal artery to 1.5 times its proximal diameter (Figure 6).…”

“…Symptomatic PAAs, asymptomatic PAAs measuring over 2 cm, and aneurysm with thrombus all warrant invasive intervention. 15 Popliteal vein aneurysms (PVAs) are rare vascular malformations highly associated with pulmonary embolism (PE). 13 Although the majority of PVAs are incidentally detected during ultrasound surveillance of lower extremity venous insufficiency, up to 80% of symptomatic patients present with PE, with approximately 30% of survivors experiencing further embolic events despite anticoagulation.…”

“…17,18 PVAs on MRI appear as cystic, oviform lesions in the popliteal fossa contiguous with the culprit vein, with hyperintensity on T1-and T2-weighted sequences (Figure 6). 15 Recognition before potential thromboembolic consequences offers a valuable opportunity to diagnose PVAs and recommend prophylactic aneurysmectomy.…”