Popliteal Artery Entrapment: Eight Years Experience

We present our experience with popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES). 12 cases of PAES were diagnosed in 8 patients with an average age of 38 years. Symptoms consisted of intermittent claudication in 6 limbs; acute ischemia in 3 limbs and 2 were asymptomatic. Diagnoses were made via angio MRI. Type II, III, V and functional entrapments were found. We used a posterior approach in 6 cases and a medial approach in 4 cases. Seven popliteal-popliteal bypasses with reversed saphenous veins, one femoro-popliteal bypass with saphenous vein, one popliteal-tibial-peroneal trunk bypass and one angioplasty with a vein patch were performed. In all cases, decompressions along with myotomy was performed. An early bypass occlusion plus one more 5 years later occurred. No amputations were needed. PAES is a pathological entity that should be suspected in young adults presenting with intermittent claudication without cardiovascular risk factors. MRA is the most complete diagnostic examination for PAES. Surgical treatment is recommended for types I to V and for symptomatic functional syndromes.