L’approccio diagnostico all’aneurisma venoso popliteo

Venous aneurysms are rare vascular abnormalities and are often described in patients presentig with pulmonary embolism. The occasional real time ultrasound examination of an aneurysm of venous system in the popliteal fossa has focalized our interest in the diagnostic approach of this entity. In our experience and in the leterature the physical examination is usually negative while the ultrasound gives high quality immaging combined to a Doppler evaluation, so this kind of diagnostic tool is desirable as a first approach. Both morphology and flow hemo-dinamics can be detected in a non invasive way. About wall aspect and surrounding tissue is underlinded the MRT and CT scaning, the thrombotic extension is well inspected. The venography is the definitive study and should always be performed because it is the most reliable examination and specific until the sac of aneurysm is filled from the contrast. However this diagnostic modality is useful in the patient undergoing surgical repair.