Rapid Expansion of Popliteal Artery Aneurysm after Lower Limb Graduated Compression Bandaging for Varicose Ulcer

We present the case of an 80-year-old woman who presented with rapid expansion of a right popliteal artery aneurysm. She had been treated with high-pressure graduated compression bandaging for a right lower leg ulcer prior to the sudden development of a painful swelling behind her right knee, diagnosed on ultrasound scan as a large non-ruptured popliteal artery aneurysm. She was treated successfully by reversed autologous vein graft bypass and exclusion of her popliteal artery aneurysm. This case suggests compression bandaging of the lower leg may be associated with rapid expansion of a previously undiagnosed popliteal artery aneurysm.

Keywords: Popliteal artery aneurysm, Graduated compression bandage, Ulcer