Popliteal Artery Aneurysm: A Silent Threat That Requires Immediate Medical Attention
At Lupetin & Unatin, LLC, we have seen firsthand the devastating impact that delayed diagnosis and treatment of vascular conditions can have on patients and their families. Conditions affecting circulation can lead to permanent disability or even amputation if not properly diagnosed and treated. One particularly dangerous vascular condition is a popliteal artery aneurysm — a weakening and ballooning of the primary artery behind the knee. Although this condition may initially cause no symptoms, it carries a high risk of clotting, rupture, or limb-threatening ischemia. Given these risks, timely diagnosis and intervention are crucial. Unfortunately, medical malpractice can occur when doctors fail to recognize or properly treat this condition, leading to catastrophic harm.
What is Popliteal Artery Aneurysm and Why is it a Medical Emergency?
A popliteal artery aneurysm occurs when the popliteal artery—the main blood vessel behind the knee—dilates abnormally, weakening its walls. This condition is the most common peripheral artery aneurysm, accounting for 70-85% of all peripheral aneurysms. Unlike aneurysms in other parts of the body, a PAA rarely ruptures. Instead, the primary danger lies in thrombosis (blood clot formation), embolization (blockage from debris traveling downstream), and compression of nearby nerves or veins.
If the artery becomes completely blocked, blood cannot reach the lower leg and foot, leading to acute limb ischemia—a condition that can cause tissue death, gangrene, and the need for amputation. Immediate medical attention is required to prevent irreversible damage.
How Common is Popliteal Artery Aneurysm?
Although PAA is the most prevalent type of peripheral artery aneurysm, it is still relatively uncommon. Studies estimate its prevalence at approximately 1% of the general population but much higher among patients with aneurysmal disease elsewhere in the body, particularly abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). Nearly 50% of patients with a popliteal artery aneurysm have an associated AAA, highlighting a strong link between these vascular conditions.
Who is at Risk for Developing a Popliteal Artery Aneurysm?
Certain groups of people face a higher risk of developing a PAA, including:
- Men over 60 – The vast majority of cases occur in older men.
- Patients with a history of aneurysms – Those with an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) are at increased risk.
- Individuals with peripheral artery disease (PAD) – Arterial damage from PAD increases susceptibility.
- Smokers – Tobacco use significantly elevates risk.
- People with connective tissue disorders – Conditions like Marfan or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome weaken arterial walls.
What Are the Symptoms of a Popliteal Artery Aneurysm?
In many cases, a PAA is asymptomatic, meaning patients may not know they have one until it reaches a dangerous stage. When symptoms do appear, they may include:
- Leg pain or cramping, especially when walking (claudication)
- Swelling in the calf or behind the knee
- A pulsating mass behind the knee
- Cool or numb foot due to reduced circulation
- Skin discoloration or ulcers on the foot
If the aneurysm thromboses or becomes completely blocked, symptoms rapidly worsen, causing severe pain, foot pallor, or even loss of sensation and movement. This is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention.
What Should a Patient Do if They Have Symptoms of a Popliteal Artery Aneurysm?
If someone experiences any of the symptoms listed above—especially sudden leg pain, numbness, or coldness—they should seek immediate medical attention. Early detection significantly improves the chances of successful treatment and prevents limb loss.
How Do Doctors Diagnose Popliteal Artery Aneurysm?
Physicians typically diagnose PAA using a combination of:
- Physical examination – Checking for pulsating masses behind the knee.
- Ultrasound with Doppler imaging – A non-invasive test to assess blood flow and aneurysm size.
- CT angiography (CTA) or Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) – Advanced imaging to determine severity and guide surgical planning.
How is Popliteal Artery Aneurysm Treated?
Treatment depends on the aneurysm’s size and whether symptoms are present. Options include:
- Surveillance – Small, asymptomatic aneurysms may be monitored with regular ultrasounds.
- Endovascular repair – A stent graft can be placed to reinforce the artery.
- Open surgical bypass – The most definitive treatment, using a vein graft to reroute blood flow around the aneurysm.
Early intervention is critical to prevent thrombosis or embolization, which dramatically increases the risk of limb loss.
What is the Medical Standard of Care for Popliteal Artery Aneurysm?
The standard of care requires physicians to:
- Promptly recognize and diagnose PAA in at-risk patients.
- Monitor small aneurysms closely and intervene if growth exceeds 2 cm or symptoms develop.
- Act immediately if signs of limb ischemia emerge, ensuring urgent vascular surgery.
- Educate high-risk patients about symptoms and the need for ongoing screening.
Failure to follow these steps can lead to devastating consequences, including avoidable amputations.
When Should a Patient Suspect Medical Malpractice?
Patients may have a valid medical malpractice claim if:
- A doctor failed to diagnose PAA despite symptoms.
- There was a delay in treatment, leading to thrombosis or limb ischemia.
- A physician mismanaged post-surgical complications.
- A surgeon performed an improper procedure, resulting in preventable harm.
Legal Cases Involving Popliteal Artery Aneurysm and Medical Malpractice
- Delayed Diagnosis Leading to Amputation – A jury awarded $2.3 million to a patient whose PAA was misdiagnosed as a simple muscle strain, leading to critical limb ischemia and amputation.
- Failure to Perform Vascular Surgery – A $1.5 million settlement was reached after a physician failed to refer a patient for necessary bypass surgery, resulting in catastrophic limb loss.
- Misinterpretation of Ultrasound – A hospital settled for $2 million after a radiologist misread a Doppler ultrasound, delaying life-saving treatment.
- Inadequate Postoperative Monitoring – A $3.2 million verdict was awarded when a hospital failed to monitor a post-surgical patient, leading to undetected graft failure and limb loss.
What Should You Do if You or a Loved One Has Suffered from Popliteal Artery Aneurysm-Related Medical Malpractice?
If medical negligence resulted in amputation, unnecessary suffering, or death, legal action may be warranted. Seeking justice not only provides compensation but also holds negligent providers accountable, preventing future harm to others.
How Can Lupetin & Unatin Help?
At Lupetin & Unatin, we have extensive experience holding negligent medical providers accountable. Our Pittsburgh medical malpractice attorneys understand the devastating impact of vascular misdiagnoses and works tirelessly to secure justice for victims. If you or a loved one suffered harm due to a popliteal artery aneurysm misdiagnosis or delay in treatment, contact us for a free case evaluation. We will fight for the compensation you deserve.