Popliteal Artery Aneurysm: Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors

A popliteal artery aneurysm is an abnormal bulge in the arterial wall beneath the knee joint. Aneurysms of this type are found in the lower limbs.

Causes Of Popliteal Artery Aneurysm

An aneurysm is a swelling in a weak spot in the artery wall. There are several reasons why the popliteal artery wall may be weak, including:

• Atherosclerosis.
• Increased blood pressure.
• Damage to the popliteal artery is caused by repeated use of the knee joint.

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Symptoms Of Popliteal Artery Aneurysm

Sometimes you don't have any symptoms at all. Claudication, or lower leg pain that hurts when you walk, maybe the first symptom. Additional indicators of a popliteal artery aneurysm include the following:

• Discomfort in the knees.
• A pain in the legs below.
• Swelling behind the knee.
• The feeling of a heartbeat behind the knee.

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Risk Factors Of Popliteal Artery Aneurysm

Popliteal artery aneurysms are uncommon. Compared to women, men are more likely to have them.

Popliteal artery aneurysms commonly afflict men with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). An abdominal aortic aneurysm is an expansion of the body's major artery, the aortic wall. Everybody diagnosed with a popliteal artery aneurysm should have a AAA examination.

Additional risk factors for popliteal artery aneurysm include the following:

• Ageing
• High blood pressure
• Smoking
• Cardiac valve narrowing.
• Having three or more aneurysms anywhere in the body.

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Diagnosis Of Popliteal Artery Aneurysm

In order to detect popliteal artery aneurysm, a medical professional frequently does a physical examination and looks for the following in the legs:

• Expanding.
• Sensitivity.
• Changes in the skin tone or temperature behind the knee in the lower leg.
• It may be necessary to ask questions about your medical history and health-related activities, such smoking.

Research studies Imaging investigations can confirm a diagnosis of popliteal artery aneurysm. Tests might include:

• Ultrasound pairwise: This test uses sound waves to evaluate the blood flow through the arteries and veins. This is a quick and simple way to diagnose a popliteal artery aneurysm. To perform the examination, a medical professional softly glides a hand-held ultrasound device over the skin behind and around the knee.
• CT angiography or magnetic resonance imaging (MR) angiography: These tests record detailed images of arterial blood flow. Prior to taking the images, a contrast agent is injected into a blood artery. The arteries are easier to see because of the hue.

Counselling Popliteal artery aneurysm management depends on:

• Dimensions of the aneurysm.
• The symptoms and indicators.
• Your age and overall health.

Potential therapy plan:

• Routine medical examinations: You will have regular check-ups and ultrasound tests to keep an eye on the aneurysm, especially if it is small.
• Drugs: People who have aneurysms in their popliteal arteries are usually prescribed aspirin or another blood thinner. Medicines may need to be injected intravenously. You can be prescribed blood pressure and cholesterol medication if you show symptoms of heart disease.
• Surgery: When a popliteal artery aneurysm of any size manifests symptoms, surgical surgery is typically recommended to replace the injured artery. Surgery is typically required for any popliteal artery aneurysm that measures 0.8 inches (2 cm) or larger.
• An infrequent less invasive procedure that may be used is endovascular repair. To keep the popliteal artery open during this treatment, a stent is put inside of it.

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Prevention Of Popliteal Artery Aneurysm

Smoking and high blood pressure both increase the risk of blood vessel problems, which can lead to aneurysms of the popliteal artery and other vessels. Blood vessel damage and heart disease can be prevented in part by leading a heart-healthy lifestyle.

Try these tips to maintain heart health:

• Steer clear of smoking.
• Eat a balanced diet.
• Exercise on a regular basis.

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Complications Of Popliteal Artery Aneurysm

One of the side effects of a popliteal artery aneurysm is blood clots. Blood clots can cause serious disruptions to lower limb blood flow.

A notable decrease in blood flow could lead to the following manifestations:

• A change in the skin's colour in the affected area.
• Not feeling a pulse behind the knee.
• The skin in the affected area feels cold.
• Limb tingling sensation.
• Not being able to move the foot.
• Severe blood flow restriction may result in limb loss. Rarely, the aneurysm may burst. It is improbable that the popliteal artery aneurysm will burst.

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