Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome mistaken for chronic exertional compartment syndrome

Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES) is a form of vascular compromise that is characterized by compression of the popliteal artery by the muscular structures of the popliteal fossa. The underlying etiology of this condition stems from both congenital and functional mechanisms. This case report describes a patient with an insidious onset of bilateral leg pain, who was initially diagnosed with chronic exertional compartment syndrome and later found to have PAES.