Embolic popliteal venous aneurysm revealing a congenital venous anatomical variation: A case report and literature review

Abstract

Venous aneurysms of the lower limbs are rare, and those located in the popliteal area are the most described. Congenital anatomical variations have been reported but are also exceptional. They can affect both superficial and deep veins. The risk of thromboembolism is present in deep locations, particularly in the popliteal area or in venous drainage malformations. We report the case of a pulmonary embolism revealing a venous aneurysm involving an atypical drainage vein. The contribution of Doppler ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, and venous Doppler was crucial for establishing the diagnosis. Surgery is the treatment of choice, combining in our case aneurysmorrhaphy and anticoagulation, with good patency observed in follow-up controls.