The Incidence of Popliteal Artery Aneurysms in Patients With Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
Authors: Grimm, Jodi J.; Wise, Matthew M.; Meissner, Mark H.; Nicholls, Stephen C.
Source: Journal for Vascular Ultrasound, Volume 31, Number 2, June 2007 , pp. 71-73(3)
Publisher: Society for Vascular Ultrasound
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Abstract:
Purpose—We sought to evaluate the incidence of popliteal artery aneurysms (PAAs) in patients who have a diagnosis of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).Methods—It has been previously documented that patients with AAA have a greater incidence of PAA. During the past 11 years, 163 patients presented to the Vascular Laboratory at Harborview Medical Center with an AAA. Seventy-one (44%) of these patients had popliteal arteries evaluated using duplex ultrasound (Advanced Technology Laboratory 3000, 5000, 9000). The popliteal artery was measured in the anteroposterior and transverse diameters. A PAA was defined as an artery larger than 1.5 cm and/or an ectatic artery with thrombus present.Results—Fourteen patients had a PAA; six patients (43%) had PAA bilaterally, for a total of 20 aneurysms. Nineteen (95%) aneurysms had thrombus present. Various interventional treatments were used: five limbs (25%) received an arterial bypass graft, two (10%) underwent amputation, and two (10%) received thrombolytic therapyConclusions—There is a high incidence of PAA in patients with AAA (19.7% in this series). Patients with a diagnosis of AAA should be screened for PAA and considered for elective repair to prevent the high rate of complications associated with these lesions.Document Type: Research article
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