THE PROBLEMS MAKING UP THE POPLITEAL ARTERY ENTRAPMENT SYNDROME AS THE CAUSE OF ACUTE PERIPHERAL ISCHEMIA

The popliteal artery entrapment syndrome results from an abnormal rela tion of artery and tendomuscular structures in the popliteal fossa, wh ich can compromise the artery. We report our experience in 18 cases of popliteal artery entrapment syndrome in 14 patients (12 men, 2 women) operated on at the University Hospital in Zurich during the period 19 67-1988. A follow-up examination was possible in 12 of the 14 patients in whom popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (both legs in 2) was tre ated surgically. These patients had first presented with ischaemic sym ptoms at an average age of 30 years. The correct diagnosis of an entra pment syndrome was made at an average age of 36 years. In all, 5 of th e 14 patients were affected bilaterally. In 5 cases the first sign was an acute ischaemic syndrome. AU these patients were young and had for merly taken active part in sport. The follow-up examination after an a verage age of 11.25 years showed a very good result in 13 cases, a goo d result in 2 cases and an unsatisfactory postoperative result in 1.