Poplitea-entrapment syndrome I177.-

Poplitea Entrapment Syndrome, or PAES for short, is a rare compression syndrome of the popliteal artery where the artery is compressed by the gastrocnemius muscle.

Insua is divided into 3 types:

Insua type I: course of the A.poplitea over the dorsal caput mediale of the M. gastrocnemius

Insua type II: Abnormal course of the gastrocnemius or abnormal plantar insertion

Insua type III: Lateral, arched course of the A.poplitea through the lateral head of the M. gastrocnemius with atypical ligament.

Especially well-trained young athletes (jogging disease) without other vascular risks. The average age in larger groups is 35 years (14-49 years).

Under stress, the compression of the popliteal artery causes damage to the arterial wall, which in turn can lead to thrombosis and further vascular constriction and even vascular occlusion. Signs of acute arterial occlusive disease appear on the lower leg (pain, feeling of heaviness, weakness, paraesthesia) or, after intensive training, an intermittent claudication.

Clinic, duplex sonography, angiography, MR angiography. The examinations should be performed in normal and provocation position.

Surgery with decompression of the vessel and removal of the anatomical defect. In case of severe damage to the popliteal artery venous interposition.

1. Clemens MS et al (2015) A diagnostic evolution: surgical experience with popliteal artery entrapment syndrome at a military tertiary referral center. Ann Vasc Surg 29:1078-83.
2. Kwon YJ et al (2015) Anatomical Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome Caused by an Aberrant Plantaris Muscle. Vasc Specialist Int 31:95-101.
3. Lejay A et al (2016) Five Year Outcomes of Surgical Treatment for Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surgery 51:557-564.
4. Regus S et al (2016) Popliteal Artery Occlusion Caused by Entrapment Syndrome in a Female Long Distance Runner. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surgery 51:293.