[Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome].

The popliteal artery entrapment syndrome is observed in about 0.5% of patients suffering from intermittent claudication, most often in young fit people. Significant diagnostic problems are the reason of frequent underestimation of the patients complaints. The development of the disease may further lead to lower leg arteries thrombosis or popliteal artery aneurysm. The latter condition is caused by abnormal course of the popliteal artery. Preliminary diagnostic procedures may comprise the examination with most simple Doppler apparatus. The diagnostic should be confirmed with the use of colour-Doppler ultrasonography or computed tomography (with contrast). The treatment of choice is an operation restoring normal anatomy within the popliteal space.