Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome: collaborative experience of the Joint Vascular Research Group.

BACKGROUND

Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES) is rare and probably underdiagnosed. This study reviewed a collected experience.

METHODS

Patients were identified by the Joint Vascular Research Group (vascular surgeons from ten hospitals serving a population of approximately four million) during 1984-1995. Case notes were reviewed.

RESULTS

Twenty-one legs in 17 patients were identified with PAES. There were 15 men and two women. The median age at presentation was 29 (range 14-45) years. One patient was excluded because no further information was available. PAES was bilateral in four patients in whom three legs were asymptomatic. At presentation, the duration of symptoms ranged from a few hours (acute leg ischaemia) to intermittent claudication of 6 years' duration. Primary investigation included angiography (20 patients), duplex imaging (four), plain radiography (one) and magnetic resonance imaging (one). In two cases, attempted thrombolysis failed. Surgery was carried out on 17 legs but failed in two. No amputations were required. Following surgery, 12 legs were asymptomatic and five had residual symptoms.

CONCLUSION

PAES should be excluded in young patients with intermittent claudication or acute ischaemia.