Popliteal venous aneurysms.

Popliteal venous aneurysms are uncommon. We reviewed 101 cases reported in the literature and our series of 11 operated cases to study the nosology an d therapeutic indications. In our series, there were 7 cases of unique dyst rophic aneurysms, 4 cases involving locoregional angiodysplasia: 3 cases wi th venous hemodynamics and 1 case with arteriovenous flow. Pulmonary emboli sm developed in 2 cases. Ultrasonography provided the diagnosis. A saccifor m aneurysm was found in 10 cases and a fusiform aneurysm in 1 case. Venous repair was performed in all cases: 9 endoaneurysmal sutures, 1 interpositio n of the medial gastrocnemius vein, and 1 PTFE graft. Permeability was conf irmed in all cases with no recurrent embolism. These cases and the histological correlations describe the nosology of dysp lastic venous aneurysms which should be distinguished from dystrophic ectas ia of incompetent veins which is not associated with pulmonary embolism. In deed, pulmonary embolism is the most common complication revealing venous a neurysms (table I). Doppler ultrasonography can provide early diagnosis bef ore such complications develop. Surgery is required for emergency cure in c ase of pulmonary embolism and is warranted for preventive cure, generally b y endoaneurysmorraphic repair allowing venous permeability without the risk of iterative embolism.