[A rare aneurysm of the popliteal vein].

BACKGROUND: A popliteal venous aneurysm is rare but needs to be considered a silent threat due to the risk of pulmonary embolism.

CASE REPORT AND METHOD: Using the report of an exemplary case, the diagnostic and therapeutic management including outcome is described. In particular, the favourable, case-adapted surgical approach of aneurysma resection and direct suture of the vascular wall because of the extraordinary aneurysma of the right popliteal vein is emphasised.

RESULTS AND CLINICAL COURSE: A 50-year-old woman underwent duplex ultrasonography because of pain in the right popliteal fossa, which revealed an aneurysm of the popliteal vein. The diagnosis was confirmed by phlebography. During the surgical approach, the popliteal vein was explored and the aneurysm subsequently excised. The defect in the wall of the popliteal vein was directly sutured avoiding a stenotic segment of the vein. The postoperative course was uneventful. Postoperatively, oral anticoagulation with coumarins was initiated for 6 months; follow-up investigations using duplex ultrasonography at 6 and 12 months showed a patent popliteal vein with no thrombotic changes.

CONCLUSION: According to the recommendations from the international literature, surgical approach using venorrhaphy or resection is absolutely indicated to prevent pulmonary embolism, especially in the mostly younger patients.