Popliteal venous aneurysm.

Two new cases of popliteal venous aneurysm, confirmed with findings from venography, are added to seven previously reported cases revealed in the authors' search of the English-language literature. This rare anomaly usually shows as recurrent pulmonary emboli in patients with no underlying predisposition to deep venous thrombosis. Physical examination is usually not helpful in the diagnosis. Results of combined real-time and Doppler ultrasound should indicate the diagnosis, but venography is necessary for confirmation and further anatomic detail. Surgical treatment has been fraught with complications. Eight patients, including these two new cases, have undergone surgery, and none have had a recurrence of pulmonary embolism following surgery.