Popliteal Artery Aneurysm

A bulge in the artery behind your knee is called a popliteal artery aneurysm. This is a type of aneurysm that happens in the arteries of your lower leg. Essentially, a section of the artery wall weakens and expands, forming a bulge.

A popliteal artery aneurysm can sometimes have no noticeable symptoms at all. If symptoms do appear, the first sign might be pain in your lower leg that comes and goes when you walk. This is called claudication. Other possible signs include:

• Pain in your knee: This pain could be a symptom.
• Pain in your lower leg: This pain might be a recurring problem, especially when you're moving around.
• Swelling behind your knee: Noticeable swelling in this area could be a warning sign.
• A pulsing sensation behind your knee: A feeling of a rhythmic beat or throb in the back of your knee might indicate a problem.

These symptoms can vary from person to person. It's important to remember that if you experience any of these symptoms, you should see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

An aneurysm is a bulge in a weakened part of an artery. This weakening can happen in various ways, most often due to:

• Atherosclerosis: This is a buildup of plaque (fatty deposits) inside the artery walls. Over time, this buildup can make the walls thin and weak. Imagine a pipe with a thick layer of gunk; it's more likely to bulge. This can happen in any artery, including the popliteal artery.

• High blood pressure: High blood pressure puts extra force on the artery walls, causing them to become stressed and susceptible to damage. Think of constantly squeezing a balloon; it will eventually weaken and bulge.

• Repeated use of the knee joint: Constant movement and stress on the knee joint over many years can contribute to the weakening of the popliteal artery. The popliteal artery runs behind the knee and is exposed to a lot of friction and pressure with daily activity. Imagine repeatedly bending a straw; it might eventually become weaker and more likely to bend or break.

In short, a weakened popliteal artery wall, like any weakened artery wall, can form a bulge called an aneurysm.

Popliteal artery aneurysms are uncommon. They happen more often in men than women. A popliteal artery aneurysm is frequently seen in men who also have an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). An AAA is a bulge or swelling in the aorta, the main blood vessel in your body. If someone has a popliteal artery aneurysm, they should also be checked for an AAA.

Several factors can increase the risk of a popliteal artery aneurysm:

• Age: Getting older increases your chances of developing an aneurysm.
• High blood pressure: High blood pressure puts extra strain on your blood vessels, potentially leading to an aneurysm.
• Smoking: Smoking damages blood vessel walls, making them more vulnerable to swelling or bulging.
• Narrowed heart valve: A narrowed heart valve can lead to increased pressure in the arteries, potentially contributing to aneurysm formation.
• Multiple aneurysms: Having three or more aneurysms in other parts of the body increases the overall risk of developing one in the popliteal artery.

Popliteal artery aneurysms can lead to problems with blood flow in the lower leg. This is because these bulges in the artery can sometimes create blood clots. These blood clots can block blood from reaching the leg, which is a serious issue.

When blood flow is severely reduced in the leg, several symptoms can occur. The skin in the affected area might change color, turning pale or bluish. You might also notice that there's no pulse where you'd normally feel one behind the knee. The skin in the affected area will likely feel cold to the touch. Numbness or a loss of feeling in the leg is another possibility. And, sadly, you could lose the ability to move your foot.

Severe blood flow blockage can be very dangerous. In some cases, it can lead to the loss of the affected limb. While less common, there's also a small chance that the aneurysm itself might burst (rupture). However, rupturing is an uncommon event with popliteal artery aneurysms.

Taking care of your heart is important for a healthy life. Here are some simple steps you can take:

1. Don't Smoke: Smoking significantly damages your heart and blood vessels. It reduces the amount of oxygen your blood can carry, increasing your risk of heart disease and stroke. If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your heart health. There are many resources available to help you quit, such as support groups, counseling, and medications.

2. Eat a Healthy Diet: A balanced diet is crucial for heart health. Focus on foods rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit foods high in saturated and trans fats, salt, and added sugars. These foods can raise your cholesterol levels and blood pressure, both of which contribute to heart problems. Choose lean protein sources like fish, poultry without skin, and beans. Healthy fats, like those found in avocados, nuts, and olive oil, are also beneficial.

3. Get Regular Exercise: Physical activity strengthens your heart and helps maintain a healthy weight, which are both key to preventing heart disease. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (like brisk walking or cycling) each week, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity (like running or swimming). Even short bursts of activity throughout the day can help. Include strength training exercises at least twice a week to build muscle and improve overall fitness.

Diagnosing a Popliteal Artery Aneurysm

A healthcare provider will usually check for a popliteal artery aneurysm by doing a physical exam and looking for certain signs. They'll check your legs for swelling, tenderness, and any changes in skin color or temperature, especially around the back of your knee. They may also ask you questions about your medical history, including things like if you smoke.

To confirm the diagnosis, imaging tests are often needed. These tests help doctors see what's happening inside your arteries.

• Duplex Ultrasound: This is a common and quick test. A healthcare professional uses a handheld device that sends sound waves through your skin, focusing on the area behind and around your knee. The sound waves create an image showing how blood flows through your arteries and veins. This helps them see if there's a problem with blood flow.

• CT Angiography or MR Angiography: These tests create detailed pictures of the arteries, showing blood flow in detail. Before the pictures are taken, a special dye (contrast) is injected into a blood vessel. The dye makes the arteries stand out more clearly in the images, helping to identify any abnormalities.

Mayo Clinic offers specialized care for people with popliteal artery aneurysms. Our team of experienced doctors can provide comprehensive care and support. If you have concerns about this condition, please reach out for assistance.