SUB-ADVENTITIAL ARTERIAL CYSTS OF THE POP LITEAL ARTERY - RESULTS FROM VASCULAR GROUP OF AURC

A retrospective multicentric study conducted by the vascular group of the AURC (University association of surgical research) included 36 sub -adventitial cysts of the popliteal artery. This is a rare cause of cl audication in the young male and usually involves the adventitia of th e arterial wall. There is usually only one localization. Echography of the cyst may wrongly suggest partial thrombosis of a popliteal aneury sm. Angiography and CT scan provide the correct diagnosis. The results of surgical treatment were analyzed after a follow-up ranging form 3 months to 20 years (mean 9 years). The reports in the literature confi rm that these are rare lesion of a poorly understood origin (congenita l or acquired ?). Simple complete surgical excision gives excellent re sults with the exception of initially complicated forms which require resection and grafting