CYSTIC ADVENTITIAL DEGENERATION OF THE PO PLITEAL ARTERY AFTER PTA OFTHE SUPERFICIAL FEMORAL-ARTERY

Cystic adventitial degeneration is rare. Most frequently it occurs in the popliteal artery, occasionally it may be found in other arteries a nd even in veins. It is always localized in joint-adjacent vessel area s and appears to originate in ectopic synovial tissue occasionally wit h a stemlike connection with the adjacent joint. The diagnosis of a cy stic adventitial degeneration should be considered in cases of isolate d stenosis or occlusion of the popliteal artery. Realtime ultrasound o r computerized tomography may help to establish the diagnosis. The tre atment of choice is surgival removal of the cysts or reconstruction wi th an autologous vein interponate. A rare case of simultaneous occurre nce of cystic adventitial degeneration and arteriosclerotic occlusive disease is described.