POPLITEAL ARTERY ANEURYSM

Sa？etak Popliteal artery aneurysm is an uncommon condition of unknown incidence, yet it is a potential vascular limb threatening problem. Because of the possible serious complications, it is important to consider it on differential diagnosis of leg pain in patients presenting to emergency department, and especially those having risk factors for its development. We present a case of a 65-year-old men with more comorbidities who was referred to emergency department because of suspected deep vein thrombosis of the right leg, although clinical status did not indicate a speci？ ed diagnosis. History data revealed that he had suffered intermittent claudications for years. Guided by examination and laboratory ？ ndings, ultrasound of the veins of the right leg was performed and excluded deep vein thrombosis, but visualized a popliteal artery aneurysm. Based on the literature, the most important information on the epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment and complications is highlighted. The main objective is to point to signi？ cant complications that may be caused by unrecognized popliteal artery aneurysm, and at the same time to the simplicity of diagnosis using ultrasound. In conclusion, the use of orientational ultrasound of extremities should be part of mandatory education for everyone working in emergency department