Popliteal Vein Aneurysm as a Source of Pulmonary Embolism: Report of a Case and Review of the World Literature

Although popliteal vein aneurysms are uncommon, they are potentially fatal because they can cause a pulmonary embolism. One-third of patients have further embolic events despite therapeutic anticoagulation. We report the case of a 67-year-old man who presented with dyspnea, rapid respirations, and dull, left pleuritic chest pain of 3-day duration. Computed tomography scanning of chest confirmed the diagnosis of multiple bilateral pulmonary emboli. Color duplex scanning followed by ascending venography confirmed a 3 x 4 cm(2) right saccular aneurysm of above-knee popliteal vein-containing thrombus. Aneurysm was treated with open tangential aneurysmectomy and lateral venorrhaphy.