Imaging diagnosis and surgical treatment of popliteal artery entrapment syndrome: a single-center experience

Abstract

Background: In this study we report our experience with the diagnosis and surgical treatment of popliteal entrapment syndrome (PAES) over a 10-year period.

Methods: Between 2002 and 2011, PAES was diagnosed in 27 limbs of 24 patients (19 males and 5 females), based on clinical symptoms and imaging examinations. The mean age of the patients was 30.4 years (range 8-69 years). All patients underwent surgical decompression of the entrapment mechanism and selective vascular reconstruction. Oral aspirin and warfarin therapy was administered after discharge.

Results: All patients underwent successful surgical treatment. No perioperative complications occurred. Clinical symptoms either disappeared or exhibited obvious improvement in all patients after surgery. No patient presented with recurrent symptoms after discharge. Doppler ultrasound during follow-up revealed the patency of the popliteal artery and saphenous vein grafts.

Conclusions: PAES is an unusual but major cause of peripheral arterial insufficiency, particularly in patients lacking risk factors for atherosclerosis. A combination of imaging examinations is required for an early and accurate diagnosis. Surgical decompression and selective vascular reconstruction is recommended for both anatomic and symptomatic functional entrapment.