Popliteal venous aneurysm with repeated episodes of pulmonary embolism. Case report and literature review.

Popliteal venous aneurysm (PVA) is a rare, but a life-threatening, disease causing pulmonary embolism (PE). We experienced a case of primary PVA with repeated PE attacks without intraluminal thrombus. Surgical repair was safely performed with a temporary vena cava filter and an intraoperative external pneumatic compression device to the calf. During the perioperative period, pneumatic compression was continued until the patient returned to a normal ambulatory status. The patient has had no episode of PE for 24 months since the operation.