Popliteal venous aneurysm: unusual source of pulmonary embolism.

Popliteal vein aneurysm is a rare cause of pulmonary embolism. We present the case of a 39-year-old man with multiple pulmonary emboli. Subsequent investigation revealed a saccular aneurysm of the right popliteal vein containing large clots. The presence of fresh thrombus was confirmed at surgery which consisted in excision of the saccular aneurysm with vein patch closure. Primary popliteal venous aneurysms are probably congenital in origin. Phlebography is diagnostic. Surgery is recommended.