Popliteal vein aneurysm presenting as a popliteal mass.

Unlike most primary venous aneurysms, popliteal venous aneurysms can have devastating consequences, including pulmonary embolism and death. We present a case of popliteal venous aneurysm in a 27-year-old man who had local extremity symptoms and no thromboembolic complications. The fusiform 6- x 3-cm aneurysm was repaired surgically with an open tangential aneurysmectomy and lateral vein reconstruction. Surgical repair of popliteal venous aneurysm is associated with high patency rates and a low incidence of postoperative embolism. Because these aneurysms present a significant risk of pulmonary embolism and death if left untreated, we recommend early surgical repair of both symptomatic and asymptomatic popliteal venous aneurysms whenever possible.