[Popliteal venous aneurysms].
Popliteal venous aneurysms are uncommon. We reviewed 101 cases reported in the literature and our series of 11 operated cases to study the nosology and therapeutic indications. In our series, there were 7 cases of unique dystrophic aneurysms, 4 cases involving locoregional angiodysplasia: 3 cases with venous hemodynamics and 1 case with arteriovenous flow. Pulmonary embolism developed in 2 cases. Ultrasonography provided the diagnosis. A sacciform aneurysm was found in 10 cases and a fusiform aneurysm in 1 case. Venous repair was performed in all cases: 9 endoaneurysmal sutures, 1 interposition of the medial gastrocnemius vein, and 1 PTFE graft. Permeability was confirmed in all cases with no recurrent embolism. These cases and the histological correlations describe the nosology of dysplastic venous aneurysms which should be distinguished from dystrophic ectasia of incompetent veins which is not associated with pulmonary embolism. Indeed, pulmonary embolism is the most common complication revealing venous aneurysms (table I). Doppler ultrasonography can provide early diagnosis before such complications develop. Surgery is required for emergency cure in case of pulmonary embolism and is warranted for preventive cure, generally by endoaneurysmorraphic repair allowing venous permeability without the risk of iterative embolism.