Intermittent Claudication Caused by Popliteal Artery Compression of Popliteal Cyst

ABSTRACT

Peripheral arterial disease is caused by atherosclerosis in the arteries causing an insufficient blood flow to the muscles and tissues. Peripheral arterial disease in the lower limbs is the main cause of intermittent claudication. Less commonly, the etiology of intermittent claudication can be extrinsic to vascular structures such as arterial aneurysm, arterial dissection, embolism, popliteal entrapment syndrome, and adventitial cystic disease. A 69-year-old man was referred to Sanggye Paik Hospital because of intermittent claudication. He had a history of diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia and he was current smoker. His right ankle brachial index is 0.74. Lower extremity artery computed tomography scan was performed and it revealed the right popliteal cyst compressing the right popliteal artery. We performed the arthroscopic cyst drainage and after the procedure, intermittent claudication resolved completely.