The popliteal artery is a relatively short vascular segment but is affected by a unique set of pathologic conditions. These conditions, which may be common throughout the arterial system or exclusive to the popliteal artery, include atherosclerosis, popliteal artery aneurysm, arterial embolus, trauma, popliteal artery entrapment syndrome, and cystic adventitial disease. The clinical manifestations, imaging appearances, and treatment options associated with these pathologic conditions differ significantly. Consequently, the radiologist should be familiar with these conditions to direct imaging for accurate diagnosis and treatment and to prevent loss of limb.

https://pubs.rsna.org/doi/pdf/10.1148/rg.242035117

Popliteal artery disease: diagnosis and treatment.

Chronic lower leg pain results from various conditions, most commonly, medial tibial stress syndrome, stress fracture, chronic exertional compartment syndrome, nerve entrapment, and popliteal artery entrapment syndrome. Symptoms associated with these conditions often overlap, making a definitive diagnosis difficult. As a result, an algorithmic approach was created to aid in the evaluation of patients with complaints of lower leg pain and to assist in defining a diagnosis by providing recommended diagnostic studies for each condition. A comprehensive physical examination is imperative to confirm a diagnosis and should begin with an inquiry regarding the location and onset of the patient's pain and tenderness. Confirmation of the diagnosis requires performing the appropriate diagnostic studies, including radiographs, bone scans, magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic resonance angiography, compartmental pressure measurements, and arteriograms. Although most conditions causing lower leg pain are treated successfully with nonsurgical management, some syndromes, such as popliteal artery entrapment syndrome, may require surgical intervention. Regardless of the form of treatment, return to activity must be gradual and individualized for each patient to prevent future athletic injury.

A Practical Approach for the Differential Diagnosis of Chronic Leg Pain in the Athlete

Popliteal entrapment syndrome

The etiology and management of cystic adventitial disease

Clinical evaluation and MR imaging features of popliteal artery entrapment and cystic adventitial disease.

Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome: More common than previously recognized

Adventitial cystic disease: A unifying hypothesis

Retrograde balloon angioplasty of brachiocephalic or common carotid artery stenoses at the time of carotid endarterectomy.

https://www.jvascsurg.org/article/S0741-5214(08)01095-1/pdf

Lewis J. Levien

Papers

Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome: More common than previously recognized

Adventitial cystic disease: A unifying hypothesis

Retrograde balloon angioplasty of brachiocephalic or common carotid artery stenoses at the time of carotid endarterectomy.

Assessment of the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle in functional compression of the popliteal artery

Endovascular Stenting for Popliteal Vascular Entrapment Is Not Recommended