Popliteal Artery Aneurysm

Diagnosing a popliteal aneurysm can be difficult. A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or a Baker’s cyst can appear similarly, so ruling these conditions out is helpful.

To make a popliteal aneurysm diagnosis, a provider will examine the back of your knee. They may be able to see and feel the enlarged artery there and it may throb with your pulse.

A provider may describe your popliteal aneurysm as fusiform (ballooning out all around) or saccular (only one side of your artery balloons out).

What tests will be done to diagnose a popliteal aneurysm?

Imaging tests can help a provider make a diagnosis and take measurements for planning a repair.

These tests include:

• Duplex ultrasound.
• Computed tomography angiography (CTA).
• Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA).
• Digital subtraction angiography.

If your provider diagnoses a popliteal aneurysm, they’ll most likely check your other leg and your belly (abdomen) for aneurysms, too. This is because many people with popliteal aneurysms have another one in their other legs or in their abdomens. If your provider finds any other aneurysms, they’ll likely need to check them with ultrasound throughout your life.