POPLITEAL ARTERY ENTRAPMENT SYNDROME - COLLABORATIVE EXPERIENCE OF THE JOINT-VASCULAR-RESEARCH-GROUP

Background Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES) is rare and pro bably underdiagnosed. This study reviewed a collected experience. Meth ods Patients were identified by the Joint Vascular Research Group (vas cular surgeons from ten hospitals serving a population of approximatel y four million) during 1984-1995. Case notes were reviewed. Results Tw enty-one legs in 17 patients were identified with PAES. There were 15 men and two women. The median age at presentation was 29 (range 14-45) years. One patient was excluded because no further information was av ailable. PAES was bilateral in four patients in whom three legs were a symptomatic. At presentation, the duration of symptoms ranged from a f ew hours (acute leg ischaemia) to intermittent claudication of 6 years ' duration. Primary investigation included angiography (20 patients), duplex imaging (four), plain radiography tone) and magnetic resonance imaging tone). In two cases, attempted thrombolysis failed. Surgery wa s carried out on 17 legs but failed in two. No amputations were requir ed. Following surgery, 12 legs were asymptomatic and five had residual symptoms. Conclusion PAES should be excluded in young patients with i ntermittent claudication or acute ischaemia.