Description

An aneurysm of the popliteal artery is an irregular bulge that occurs in the wall of the artery is found behind the knee joint. It is a type of lower extremity aneurysm.

Symptoms

You might not notice any symptoms. The first symptom may be pain in the lower part of the leg that occurs when walking, called claudication. Other symptoms of an aneurysm of the popliteal artery include:

  • The pain of the knee.
  • Lower leg pain.
  • Swelling behind the knee.
  • By clicking the sentiment behind the knee.

Causes

An aneurysm is a balloon flight in a weak spot in an artery wall. Many different things can cause the popliteal artery of the wall to be weak, including:

  • Atherosclerosis.
  • The high blood pressure.
  • The wear and tear of the popliteal artery due to the repeated use of the knee joint.

Risk factors

Aneurysms of the popliteal artery are rare. They are more common in men than in women.

Aneurysm of the popliteal artery often occurs in men with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). An abdominal aortic aneurysm is a swelling of the wall of the main artery of the body, called the aorta. Any person with a diagnosis of aneurysm of the popliteal artery should be screened for AAA .

Other risk factors for aneurysm of the popliteal artery include:

  • Each time higher.
  • The high blood pressure.
  • The habit of smoking.
  • The narrowing of a heart valve.
  • Having three or more aneurysms in any part of the body.

Complications

The complications of the aneurysm of the popliteal artery, which include blood clots. Blood clots can cause a serious lack of blood flow in the lower part of the leg.

A serious lack of blood flow can cause the following symptoms:

  • A change in the color of the skin in the affected area.
  • No pulse behind the knee.
  • The skin in the affected area feels cold.
  • Numbness in the leg.
  • Inability to move the feet.

A serious lack of blood flow can result in the loss of the limb. Rarely, the aneurysm may rupture. But the risk of rupture of the aneurysm of the popliteal artery is low.

Prevention

Smoking and high blood pressure increases the risk of blood vessel problems that can lead to the popliteal artery and other aneurysms. After a heart-healthy lifestyle can help prevent heart diseases and blood vessels.

Try these tips for a healthy heart:

  • Do not smoke.
  • Eating a nutritious diet.
  • Get regular exercise.

Diagnosis

To diagnose the aneurysm of the popliteal artery, a professional of the health in general a physical examination and check the legs:

  • The swelling.
  • The tenderness.
  • Changes in skin color or temperature in the lower part of the leg and behind the knee.

You will be asked questions about your medical history and health habits, such as smoking.

Tests

Imaging tests can help to confirm a diagnosis of aneurysm of the popliteal artery. Tests may include:

  • The duplex ultrasound. This test uses sound waves to see how blood flows through the arteries and the veins. It is a simple and quick way to diagnose an aneurysm of the popliteal artery. For the test, a health care practitioner gently moves a handheld ultrasound device on the skin behind and around the knee.
  • CTangiography or magnetic resonance (MR) angiography. These tests take detailed images of blood flow in the arteries. Before the images are taken, dye called a contrast medium is injected into a blood vessel. The dye helps the arteries to be seen more clearly.

Treatment

Treatment of aneurysm of the popliteal artery is dependent on:

  • The size of the aneurysm.
  • Symptoms.
  • Your age and general health.

Treatment may include:

  • Regular medical checkups. You'll have frequent checkups and ultrasound tests to check the aneurysm, especially if the aneurysm is small.
  • Drugs. Aspirin or other blood thinner is usually prescribed for people with an aneurysm of the popliteal artery. The drug can be necessary to through a vein. The blood pressure and the cholesterol drug may be administered if you have symptoms of heart disease.
  • Surgery. Open surgery to repair the damaged artery is recommended in general for any size of an aneurysm of the popliteal artery that is causing the symptoms. The surgery is usually done to any aneurysm of the popliteal artery 0.8 inches (2 cm) or larger. Sometimes, a less invasive procedure called endovascular repair can be done. During this treatment, and they put a stent in the popliteal artery to keep it open.
Symptoms and treatment of aneurysm of the Popliteal artery