Acute pulmonary embolism as a complication in a young male patient with a left popliteal venous aneurysm / Embolia pulmonar aguda como complicação em paciente masculino jovem com aneurisma venoso poplíteo esquerdo

Abstract Venous aneurysms are rare and have a prevalence of 0.1 to 0.2% in the reported series. Typically, patients do not present any symptoms, but are prone to develop deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and the most feared complication, pulmonary embolism (PE). We present the case of a previously healthy 36-year-old man who presented at the emergency department with tachycardia, dyspnea, and pleuritic pain. A thoracic computed tomography angiography (CTA) confirmed the diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism. He was treated with systemic thrombolysis and anticoagulation. In the further workup of the cause of the embolism, computed tomography revealed a fusiform dilation of the left popliteal vein measuring 3 by 3 centimeters (cm) with an incomplete filling defect because of thrombus presence. The patient underwent open surgical repair. At one month follow-up, he was asymptomatic, and an ultrasound revealed complete patency of the popliteal vein without dilatation or thrombus.

Resumo Aneurismas venosos são raros, tendo uma prevalência de 0,1 a 0,2% nas séries relatadas. Os pacientes não costumam manifestar sintomas; entretanto, são propensos a desenvolver trombose venosa profunda e a complicação mais temida, embolia pulmonar. Apresentamos o caso de um homem de 36 anos previamente hígido que chegou ao serviço de emergência queixando-se de taquicardia, dispneia e dor pleurítica. Uma angiotomografia computadorizada confirmou o diagnóstico de embolia pulmonar aguda. O paciente foi tratado com trombólise sistêmica e anticoagulantes. Em exames posteriores para investigar a causa da embolia, uma tomografia computadorizada revelou dilatação fusiforme da veia poplítea esquerda medindo 3x3 cm, com enchimento incompleto devido à presença de um trombo. O paciente foi submetido a reparo cirúrgico aberto. No seguimento de 1 mês, ele estava assintomático, e uma ultrassonografia revelou a patência completa da veia poplítea, sem dilatação ou trombo.

Cadaveric study on anatomical variations of popliteal artery and its terminal branches: a clinical perspective

Introduction: Anatomical knowledge is very important for accurate diagnosis and proper treatment of the patient.The popliteal region presents a wide range of vascular anomalies. The correct diagnosis of these anatomicalvariations plays a key role in success of diverse procedures performed by orthopaedicians, vascular surgeonsand radiologists. In this context, the aim of our study was to gain knowledge on the origin, level and mode oftermination, course and relations of popliteal artery with surrounding structures, mainly the muscles, in poplitealfossa. The results obtained were compared with previous studies.Materials and methods: The study was carried out in 50 lower limbs of 25 well-embalmed cadavers. There wasno evidence of previous knee surgeries in any of the limbs. The specimens were collected from the department ofAnatomy, KVG Medical College, Sullia.Results: The femoral artery continued as popliteal artery, which terminated at the lower border of popliteusmuscle. Trifurcation pattern was observed in one specimen. 10% of specimens had hypoplastic/aplasticposteriortibial artery, distally replaced by peroneal artery. Another 4% of specimens had smaller posterior tibialand larger peroneal artery. Length of tibio peroneal trunk from the lower border of popliteus muscle was shorterthan normal (2.5 cm) in one specimen and longer in another specimen. The observation on course and relationsshowed that the popliteal artery passed beneath a bony tunnel of fibula before terminating in one specimen andin another specimen, popliteal artery was superficial to popliteal vein in the middle of popliteal fossa. In othertwo specimens, it coursed more medially towards medial head of gastrocnemius and another specimen presentedwith popliteal artery crossed by muscle belly of plantaris.Conclusion: This study adds up to the knowledge on vascular variations in the popliteal region, the awareness ofwhich is important to vascular surgeons while performing arterial reconstructions in femoro distal bypass graftprocedures and also to orthopaedicians during surgical clubfoot release.

Popliteal Vein Aneurysm Associated with Varicose Veins, Hydrocele, and Multiple Congenital Osteomas: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Popliteal vein aneurysms (PVAs) represent a rare form of venous aneurysms and necessitate prompt management because of their well-established risk of pulmonary embolism (PE). Herein, we report a rare case of PVA without PE, successfully treated with open surgical repair. A 27-year-old man presented to our vascular clinic with chronic pain and swelling in his left lower limb. He had a long history of facial surgeries for the removal of congenital multiple osteomas. Physical examination revealed varicosities with an abnormal distribution. Duplex ultrasound showed a left PVA measuring 2.3 cm in diameter and 4 cm in length. Open surgical excision of the PVA with lateral venorrhaphy was performed through a medial approach. Prophylactic anticoagulation was performed postoperatively. In this case, the PVA was detected, with a high degree of suspicion by the clinician, before it caused fatal PE. The patient was successfully treated with aneurysm excision and lateral venorrhaphy.

The Effect of Saphenous Vein Ablation on Combined Segmental Popliteal Vein Reflux

BACKGROUND: This study examined the role of superficial vein surgery in patients with combined superficial venous reflux and segmental popliteal vein reflux. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 42 limbs in 38 patients with combined superficial venous reflux and segmental popliteal vein reflux who underwent saphenous vein ablation between January 2014 and February 2017. Patients underwent outpatient follow-up duplex ultrasonography at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Resolution of deep vein reflux was defined as reversed blood flow in a popliteal segment for less than 1.0 second and a decrease in the reflux time of more than 20% of the preoperative reflux time. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 9 months (range, 3–23 months). Saphenous vein ablations were performed by stripping in 24 limbs and radiofrequency ablation in 18 limbs. Preoperative segmental popliteal vein reflux resolved in 21 of the 42 limbs (50%). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that superficial venous surgery corrected segmental popliteal vein reflux in 50% of limbs with combined superficial venous reflux and segmental popliteal vein reflux. Other prospective studies are necessary to elucidate the etiology of the non-reversible cases.

Fatal Pulmonary Thromboembolism Caused by Popliteal Vein Aneurysm / 대한법의학회지

Popliteal venous aneurysms can be a cause of fatal pulmonary thromboembolism. We report a case of a 47-year-old woman who suddenly died of fatal pulmonary thromboembolism. Deep vein thrombosis was not observed, but a venous aneurysm with intraluminal thrombi formation was identified on the left popliteal vein. This case illustrates that venous aneurysms can be presented as fatal pulmonary thromboembolism, and that they should be considered as a rare cause of pulmonary thromboembolism.

Clinical analysis of 57 patients with popliteal venous entrapment syndrome / 天津医药

Objective To summarize the experience in diagnosis and treatment of popliteal vein entrapment syndrome (PVES). Methods A total of 57 patients with PVES were selected from the Department of Vascular Surgery in Xinxiang Central Hospital from March 2009 to October 2015. Of which 43 patients were severe stenosis of popliteal vein (stenosis degree>90%), and another 14 cases were with stenosis less than 90%. All the patients underwent ascending venography of low limb to confirm the clinical classification after admission. Forty-three cases with severe stenosis of the popliteal vein were treated with releasing popliteal vein of entrapment and stripping varicose veins. The static pressure and dynamic pressure of popliteal vein and foot dorsal vein were measured before and after operation. Another 14 patients were treated with medical circulation driven sock and medical therapy. Results The degrees of popliteal vein stenosis were more than 75% in all patients. The patients were divided into bove-knee stenosis (n=9), knee stenosis (n=18), and below-knee stenosis (n=30) according to the different parts of stenosis. Forty-three patients treated with surgery showed relief of leg swelling and pain, and ulcer healing. And the imaging examination showed that there were no obvious compression and stenosis of popliteal vein, and vascular filling was well. The static pressure and dynamic pressure of the popliteal vein and dorsal vein were lower than those before surgery (P<0.05). The lower limb swelling and pain were relieved, and varicose veins of lower limbs were no longer continued to increase in 14 patients with conservative treatment. Conclusion PVES is easy to be misdiagnosed, which should be paid attention to, and satisfactory clinical results can be achieved by releasing popliteal vein of compression combined with stripping varicose veins in patients with serious symptoms .

Variação anatômica venosa rara em membros inferiores / A rare venous anatomic variation of the lower limb

Resumo A anatomia do sistema venoso dos membros inferiores é uma das mais complexas no corpo humano. Devido a essa condição, é de extrema importância saber identificar variações que possam acometê-la, como as malformações congênitas. Em casos de agenesia de veias profundas, como uma malformação vascular rara, o quadro clínico pode manifestar-se com insuficiência venosa crônica, que pode evoluir com edema, hiperpigmentação e úlcera de membro inferior. Assim, em muitos casos, torna-se uma doença incapacitante e de difícil tratamento. Apresenta-se um caso de agenesia de segmento venoso femoropoplíteo no membro inferior direito em paciente de 36 anos de idade, que cursou com edema e varizes de grosso calibre no membro acometido.

Abstract The anatomy of the venous system of the lower limbs is among the most complex in the human body. In view of this, it is extremely important to know how to identify variations that can affect it, such as congenital malformations, for example. In cases of a rare vascular malformation such as agenesis of deep veins, clinical status may manifest with chronic venous insufficiency, which can progress with edema, hyperpigmentation, and lower limb ulcers. This is very often therefore an incapacitating disease that is difficult to treat. This article describes a case of agenesis of a segment of femoropopliteal vein in the right lower limb of a 36-year-old patient who had edema and large caliber varicose veins in the affected limb.

Tangential Resection of a Popliteal Vein Aneurysm in a Patient Complaining of Localized Popliteal Pain

A 48-year old man presented with left popliteal pain. A 2.2×1.6 cm sized saccular aneurysm at the level of the left popliteal fossa was diagnosed by ultrasonography. Tangential aneurysmectomy and popliteal vein repair was performed uneventfully. The patient fared well for a year without symptoms. Popliteal vein aneurysms are rare and typically found in patients with fatal thromboembolic features without warning symptoms. Fortunately, our patient had localized pain which was helpful in its early diagnosis and treatment.

Ultrasound guided popliteal vein catheter thrombolysis for acute lower extremity deep venous thrombosis / 中华普通外科杂志

Objective To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of ultrasound-guided popliteal vein catheter thrombolysis for acute deep venous thrombosis of the lower extremity.Methods Clinical data were retrospectively analyzed on 120 patients of unilateral acute lower extremity deep vein thrombosis from April 2010 to April 2013.60 cases were included in systemic thrombolytic group; 60 cases into catheter directed thrombolysis group.Thrombolysis rate and limb swelling reduction rate were calculated and compared between the two groups.Results Due to limb swelling rate,in systemic thrombolysis group:Thigh swelling reduction rate was (77 ± 9) ％ ; Leg swelling reduction rate was (70 ± 11) ％,while in catheter directed thrombolys group,that was (87 ± 5) ％,and (80 ± 9) ％,respectively (P ＜ 0.05).The thrombolysis rate in systemic group was (59 ± 14)％,that was (71 ± 13)％ in catheter directed thrombolysis group (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions Ultrasound guided precutaneous catheter popliteal vein thrombolysis significantly improves the short-term outcome of deep venous thrombosis in terms of leg swelling reduction rate and thrombolysis reduction rate.

Hybrid treatment of arteriovenous fistula between popliteal vessels / Tratamento híbrido para fístula arteriovenosa entre vasos poplíteos

The authors describe treatment of a patient who presented an arteriovenous fistula between the popliteal vessels more than 20 years after a gunshot wound. The patient underwent endovascular treatment using Viabahn (Gore®) stent grafts, but, because of the large disparity in popliteal artery diameters proximal and distal of the fistula, the endovascular treatment was unsuccessful. The superficial femoral artery was then banded around the stent graft that was deployed previously. This improvised strategy allowed an open surgical approach to be performed far from the fistula site, reducing the risks of operating in a region with anatomic distortions and significant enlargement of the surrounding venous structures, which would certainly have increased the likelihood of iatrogenic injuries.

Os autores descrevem o tratamento de um paciente portador de fístula arteriovenosa entre vasos poplíteos com mais de 20 anos de evolução, após ferimento por projétil de arma de fogo. O paciente foi submetido a tratamento endovascular pelo implante de stents revestidos Viabahn (Gore®), porém o mesmo não foi bem sucedido devido à diferença de diâmetro entre a artéria poplítea proximal e a distal à fístula. A artéria femoral superficial foi submetida à cerclagem com fios de sutura ao redor do stentgraft previamente implantado. Esse recurso de improvisação permitiu uma abordagem distante do sítio da fístula, diminuindo os riscos do acesso cirúrgico em uma região com distorções anatômicas e vasos sanguíneos ectasiados, o que certamente acarretaria maior risco de lesões iatrogênicas.

Doenca venosa cronica como manifestacao clinica de osteocondroma tibial / Chronic venous disease as a clinical manifestation of tibial osteochondroma

Osteochondromas are the most common type of benign tumor of the skeleton. They most frequently affect the distal extremity of the femur, with the tibia being the second most commonly affected long bone. Vascular complications of these lesions are rare, but pseudoaneurysm formation is the most frequently reported of them. In this case report, we describe a case of compression of the popliteal neurovascular bundle by a tibial osteochondroma in a diabetic patient who had been admitted to hospital to treat an infected lesion on his left foot and complained of edema and paresthesia of the left lower limb.

Osteocondromas são as lesões tumorais benignas ósseas mais comuns. Acometem especialmente o fêmur em sua extremidade distal, sendo a tíbia o osso longo mais comumente afetado depois do fêmur. As complicações vasculares destas lesões são raras, sendo a formação de pseudoaneurismas a mais comum. Neste relato, descrevemos um caso de compressão do paquete vasculonervoso poplíteo por osteocondroma tibial em paciente diabético, com queixa de edema de perna e parestesia de membro inferior esquerdo, internado para tratamento de lesão infectada em pé esquerdo.

Anatomical Variation of the Lesser Saphenous Vein

PURPOSE: The lessor saphenous vein is an anatomical index in various surgical methods involving an approach to the popliteal fossa. However, occasionally, there have been some cases where the surgical process was difficult because the lessor saphenous vein was not found in the popliteal fossa during the operation process. The aim of this study is to determine the frequency of the anatomical variation of lessor saphenous vein not found in the popliteal fossa with a review of the literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted on 83 cases of selective neurectomy for hypertrophic calf performed in our clinic from March 1997 to June 2013. There were 42 patients, with a mean age of 32.8 years old. We confirmed the existence of the lessor saphenous vein in the popliteal fossa during the operation process. RESULTS: Among 83 cases during this study period, the lesser saphenous vein was not found in four cases. In one patient, no lesser saphenous vein was found on either side of the popliteal fossa, and in two patients, no lesser saphenous vein was found on the left side of the popliteal fossa. As a result, the frequency of variation was found to be 4.8%. CONCLUSION: Due to the anatomical variation of the lessor saphenous vein, it may not be found in the midline of the popliteal fossa. Based on the literature review, several possibilities for failure to observe the lesser saphenous vein could be suggested. If surgeons are well aware of these possibilities, the steadier operation could be performed.

Pulmonary Embolism Caused by Popliteal Venous Aneurysm

Venous aneurysms are uncommon in the lower limb and are more frequently found in the neck and thoracic and visceral veins. However, they have been reported to cause thrombosis, pulmonary thromboembolism, and other related complications. Popliteal venous aneurysms are often undetected because they are usually asymptomatic, but they may cause pulmonary thromboembolic events. We experienced a case of a 44-year-old man who was referred for recurrent pulmonary thromboembolism. He showed no other symptoms or signs except shortness of breath. A popliteal venous aneurysm was diagnosed incidentally because the examinations were performed to detect a deep vein thrombosis in relationship to the patient's history of pulmonary thromboembolism. We report a case of surgical treatment for a popliteal venous aneurysm that was complicated by pulmonary thromboembolism.

Avaliação do segmento venoso femoropoplíteo pela ultrassonografia Doppler em pacientes com úlcera varicosa / Doppler ultrasonography of the femoral popliteal segment in patients with venous ulcer

CONTEXTO: Como a úlcera é uma grave complicação da insuficiência venosa crônica, é necessário o conhecimento amplo de sua fisiopatologia. A ultrassonografia Doppler venosa é o exame complementar mais adequado, que possibilita o estudo do sistema venoso superficial e profundo, sua anatomia e fisiologia. Trabalhos recentes valorizam o refluxo em Veia Poplítea como importante fator para o desenvolvimento deste quadro clínico. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar o refluxo em segmento venoso femoropoplíteo em pacientes com úlcera varicosa. TIPO DE ESTUDO: Estudo de prevalência. MÉTODOS: Cento e quatro pacientes apresentando 118 membros inferiores com úlcera varicosa. Procedimentos: exame de ultrassonografia Doppler venosa do membro acometido, observado o refluxo no segmento venoso femoropoplíteo e diâmetro da Veia Poplítea. Variáveis: Primária: refluxo no segmento venoso femoropoplíteo. Secundária: diâmetro da Veia Poplítea. RESULTADOS: A presença de refluxo no segmento venoso femoropoplíteo foi observada em 56 (47,45%) dos 118 membros com úlcera varicosa, examinados em 104 pacientes. O diâmetro médio da Veia Poplítea foi de 1,14 cm, sendo o diâmetro médio normal da população 0,6 cm. CONCLUSÃO: O refluxo venoso no segmento venoso femoropoplíteo é um importante fator na avaliação do prognóstico destes pacientes, o aumento de diâmetro da Veia Poplítea reflete a magnitude da insuficiência venosa.

BACKGROUND: Ulcer is a severe complication from chronic venous insufficiency; thus, its pathophysiology needs to be deeply understood. Venous Doppler ultrasonography is the most appropriate complementary imaging study, enabling the study of the superficial and deep venous system, the diameter and flow of the veins. Recent studies have suggested that popliteal vein reflux is an important factor for the development of ulceration. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the venous reflux of the femoral popliteal segment in patients with venous ulcers. STUDY DESIGN: Prevalence study. METHODS: Involving 104 patients with 118 lower extremities with venous ulcers. Patients underwent Doppler ultrasonography of the affected limb showing the venous reflux of the femoral popliteal segment and popliteal vein diameter. Primary variable was venous reflux in the femoral popliteal segment; and secondary variable was diameter of the popliteal vein. RESULTS: Venous reflux in the femoral popliteal segment was observed in 56 of the 118 limbs with venous ulcer (47.45%) in 104 patients. The mean diameter of the popliteal vein was 1.14 cm, whereas 0.6 cm was the normal mean diameter of the population. CONCLUSION: Venous reflux in the femoral popliteal segment is a major factor in assessing the prognosis of these patients. Increased diameter of the popliteal vein reflects the magnitude of venous insufficiency.

Transpopliteal vein interventional treatment for lower extremity deep venous thrombosis / 中国综合临床

ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical value of the pumping and popliteal vein thrombosis contact thrombolytic treatment of lower extremity deep venous thrombosis(LEDVT).MethodsFor thirty deep venous thrombosis patients with ipsilateral popliteal vein approach through a comprehensive intervention,the line of the inferior vena cava filter was implanted under the premise of first balloon mechanical thrombus fragmentation and thrombus aspiration by 10 F improved the inferior vena cava stents conveying sheath,followed by the line of contact thrombolytic therapy.Four patients underwent iliac vein in the thrombolytic treatment of stent implantation.Vein patency and venous patency score and health and poor limb circumference difference were used to assess efficacy of treatment.Patients were followed up for at least 1 year.ResultsThe technical success rate was 100％.At six months after sugery,the mean lower limb circumference difference of the 30 patients was＜ 1.5 cm.Lower limb venous angiography showed significantly improved vein patency score [ (9.5 ± 2.6) vs.(3.6 ± 2.1 ),Z =1.65,P ＜ 0.01 ].Venous patency rate was ( 69.5 ± 13.2) ％.No serious complications during treatment and the period of follow-up.Conclusion Transpopliteal vein interventional treatment of lower extremity deep venous thrombosis is simple,safe and effective.

Catheter-directed thrombolysis for patients with acute deep venous thrombosis of the lower limb: report of 32 cases / 中华普通外科杂志

Objective To evaluate catheter-directed thrombolysis via the popliteal vein in the treatment of the lower limb acute deep venous thrombosis.Methods From July 2009 to October 2010,32patients of the lower limb acute deep venous thrombosis including 3 patients with concurrent pulmonary embolism underwent uhrasound-guided catheter-directed thrombolysis via the popliteal vein.The thrombolytic catheter was inserted into thrombus,through which urokinase was infused at a dosage of 100 × 104U/d.The venous patency score and the rate of patency improvement were observed by venograms before and after therapy.Results In every patient,the lower limb swell and pulomonary symptoms relieved.The circumferences between affected and normal thigh before and after the thrombolysis were(5.4 ± 1.4)cm and (1.7 ± 1.3)cm(t =9.92,P ＜0.01).The circumferences between affected and normal leg before and after the thrombolysis were(4.1 ± 1.5)cm and(1.5 ±0.7)cm(t =7.65,P ＜0.01).The venous patency score before and after the thrombolysis were(15 ± 4)and(4 ± 3)(t =7.12,P ＜ 0.01).The mean rate of venous patency was 88.21％.In the 3 patients with pulmonary embolism,thrombus was complete dissolved in 1 case and partial dissolved in 2 cases.No major complications occurred in all these patients.29 patients were followed up for 3-12 months.There were no thrombosis relapsed.Conclusions Catheter-directed thrombolysis via the popliteal vein with urokinase for acute lower limb deep venous thrombosis is safe and effective.

Ultrasound-guided popliteal vein puncture in the treatment of lower extremity deep venous thrombosis / 国际外科学杂志

Objective To assess the clinical value of ultrasound-guided popliteal vein puncture in the treatment of lower extremity deep venous thrombosis.Method We performed ultrasound-guided catheterization through popliteal vein in 71 patients with lower extremity deep venous thrombosis who were supposed to receive catheter-directed thrombolysis.Results Catheter sheathes were successfully inserted in 69 patients.No severe complication was observed.and a good curative effect after the treatmeut of thrombolysis and anticoagulation was found.Insertions of guide-wires failed in 2 patients because of organizatioo of the thrombus.Conclusion Ultrasound-guided popliteal vein puncture is safe and easy to operate,and is worth popularizing.

Three-Dimensional Evaluation of the Anatomic Variations of the Femoral Vein and Popliteal Vein in Relation to the Accompanying Artery by Using CT Venography

OBJECTIVE: We wanted to describe the three-dimensional (3D) anatomic variations of the femoral vein (FV) and popliteal vein (PV) in relation to the accompanying artery using CT venography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of 445 bilateral (890 limbs) lower limb CT venograms. After the 3D relationship between the FV and PV and accompanying artery was analyzed, the presence or absence of variation was determined and the observed variations were classified. In each patient, the extent and location of the variations and the location of the adductor hiatus were recorded to investigate the regional frequency of the variations. RESULTS: There were four distinct categories of variations: agenesis (3 limbs, 0.3%), multiplication (isolated in the FV: 190 limbs, 21%; isolated in the PV: 14 limbs, 2%; and in both the FV and PV: 51 limbs, 6%), anatomical course variation (75 limbs, 8%) and high union of the tibial veins (737 limbs, 83%). The course variations included medial malposition (60 limbs, 7%), anterior rotation (11 limbs, 1%) and posterior rotation (4 limbs, 0.4%). Mapping the individual variations revealed regional differences in the pattern and frequency of the variations. CONCLUSION: CT venography helps to confirm a high incidence of variations in the lower limb venous anatomy and it also revealed various positional venous anomalies in relation to the respective artery.

Popliteal Artery Aneurysm Presenting as Acute Deep Vein Thrombosis

Popliteal artery aneurysms are rare, but they are the second commonest aneurysm in frequency after aorto-iliac aneurysms. The most commonly reported complications of popliteal artery aneurysm are arterial origin such as occlusion or distal embolization that may result in limb loss, so popliteal artery aneurysm is recognized as 'the silent killer of the leg circulation'. It rarely manifests the clinical symptoms of acute deep vein thrombosis. Thrombosis and compression of the popliteal vein may cause the symptoms of lower extremity venous insufficiency, which accounts for nearly 5% of all popliteal artery aneurysms. We report here a 40 year-old man with acute deep vein thrombosis in the lower extremity, and this was secondary to popliteal artery aneurysm. Preoperative Duplex ultrasound and CT angiography revealed a 6 cm-sized popliteal artery aneurysm and thrombosis of the popliteal vein. The aneurysm was treated with partial resection of the aneurysm with an end to end PTFE bypass graft. We feel it is important to exclude a popliteal artery aneurysm in a patient suffering with deep vein thrombosis.

Arterivenous Fistula Complicated by Popliteal Venous Access for Endovascular Thrombolytic Therapy of Deep Vein Thrombosis

We report a case of an iatrogenic arteriovenous fistula complicated by catheter-directed thrombolytic therapy in a patient with acute deep vein thrombosis of a lower extremity. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of an arteriovenous fistula between the sural artery and popliteal vein in that situation. As the vessels have a close anatomical relationship, the arteriovenous fistula seems to be a potential complication after endovascular thrombolytic therapy of acute deep vein thrombosis.