A popliteal aneurysm is an abnormal dilation of the popliteal artery, located behind the knee. It’s the most common peripheral artery aneurysm, often asymptomatic but carrying significant risks such as limb-threatening thrombosis or embolism. Early detection is crucial to prevent complications.
In vascular ultrasound, a popliteal aneurysm appears as a focal arterial enlargement with a diameter typically exceeding 1.5 times the adjacent healthy vessel. Duplex ultrasound is key for diagnosis, assessing size, mural thrombus, and flow dynamics, guiding medical and surgical management.