What are the symptoms of a popliteal aneurysm?

A popliteal aneurysm is bulging and weakness in the wall of the popliteal artery, which supplies blood to the knee joint, thigh and calf….Common symptoms include:

• Pain behind the knee.
• An edema (collection of watery fluid) in the lower leg.
• Foot pain.
• Ulcers on the skin of the feet that don’t heal.

When does a popliteal aneurysm need surgery?

Popliteal aneurysms less than 3 cm in diameter with distortion less than 45° can safely be managed by ultrasound surveillance. Popliteal aneurysms with greater diameter or distortion are best operated upon.

What happens if a popliteal aneurysm ruptures?

A ruptured popliteal aneurysm can manifest as a massively swollen leg (from bleeding or venous compression) and should be suspected in a patient with a swollen leg and evidence of blood loss without another clear diagnosis.

What size popliteal aneurysm requires surgery?

Due to the low mortality and complication rates of operative repair in contrast to the high morbidity rate when symptoms develop, most surgeons would proceed to repair any popliteal artery aneurysm >2 cm.

How serious is an aneurysm in your leg?

Wherever they occur within the body, aneurysms can lead to limb loss or life-threatening complications either in the form of a burst or ruptured artery or the sudden blockage of the artery (also known as acute ischaemia) due to the build-up of a clot inside the aneurysm sac.

What does a leg aneurysm feel like?

Sudden pain in your leg or foot. Your leg or foot being cool or pale or changing color. Tingling or numbness in your foot.

How is a popliteal aneurysm repaired?

Popliteal aneurysms can be treated by two methods: open surgical repair, in which a bypass is created around the aneurysm for improving the flow of blood; or endovascular popliteal aneurysm repair, whereby a stent-graft (a tube made of fabric with a metal mesh) is inserted into the area of the aneurysm to support the …

Are leg aneurysms hereditary?

Usually genetic, rarely occur Peripheral aneurysms are usually genetic; that is, you are born with the tendency to form them. Aneurysms in the abdomen, called splenic aneurysms, are uncommon, affecting 0.7% of the population. Peripheral aneurysms in the legs are very rare, affecting 0.007% of men, and even fewer women.

What size is considered a popliteal aneurysm?

The accepted definition of popliteal aneurysm is 1.5 to 2 cm. If the normal size of 9 mm is accepted, then 15 mm represents roughly a 50% increase.

Can you have an aneurysm behind your knee?

A popliteal aneurysm is a bulge in a blood vessel (artery) behind your knee. The bulge occurs in a weak spot in the artery. It may occur in one or both legs. Blood clots can form in this type of aneurysm and block blood flow in your leg.

What happens when you have an aneurysm in your leg?

A leg aneurysm (say “ANN-yuh-riz-um”) is a bulge in a blood vessel (artery) in your leg. The bulge occurs in a weak spot in the artery. It can happen in one or both legs. Blood clots can form in this type of aneurysm and can block blood flow in your leg.

How do you fix an aneurysm in your leg?

BYPASS SURGERY is one way to treat a peripheral aneurysm in your leg. First, blood flow is redirected around the aneurysm. Then, the aneurysm is removed or tied off to prevent circulating blood from continuing to fill the aneurysm. STENT GRAFTING is used in some cases.