[Cystic degeneration of the vessel walls. The differential diagnosis of obliterative angiopathies: (author's transl)].

Cystic degeneration of the vessel wall is a rare disease predominantly localized in the region of the popliteal artery. It appears in the frequent clinical picture of intermittent claudication. Two cases are presented. The etiology of this syndrome is not clear. The appearance of intermittent claudication, preferably in middle-aged men without risk factors is typical for an obliterative angiopathy. Angiophically there are smooth-walled stenoses or occlusions, especially of the popliteal artery, with an otherwise inconspicuous vascular system. The prognosis after surgical treatment by excision or resection is good.