Resolution Of A Ruptured Popliteal Aneurysm By Endovascular Treatment

Introduction. Popliteal aneurysms are the most common peripheral aneurysms, and are usually asymptomatic. The most frequent complications are thrombosis and embolisation, while rupture is not very usual. Early diagnosis is important because the rupture of a popliteal aneurysm is usually leads to loss of the limb. Case report. A 75-year-old male patient with clinical features that initially suggested deep vein thrombosis, in whom a ruptured popliteal aneurysm was diagnosed by means of Doppler ultrasound. Treatment of the aneurysm was carried out by placement of a PTFE-covered stent, with good technical results. Both correct exclusion of the aneurysm and absence of symptoms continue one month after discharge from hospital. Conclusions. Although the classic treatment has consisted in ligation and exclusion of the aneurysm and performing a venous or prosthetic bypass, endoluminal treatment with a covered stent represents an alternative that is barely invasive and may well constitute a safe and efficient method for treating these patients. The follow-up will make it possible to determine whether the treatment is also valid in the long term.