Popliteal Venous Aneurysm Leading to Massive Pulmonary Embolus in a Child: A Case Report and Literature Review

Popliteal venous aneurysms are rarely reported but represent a known source for pulmonary emboli. Early diagnosis with prompt excision of the aneurysm and venous reconstruction eliminate the embolic source and prevent long-term sequelae of venous stasis. The authors present the case of a twelve-year-old girl with Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome who presented with a massive pulmonary embolus. Magnetic resonance angiography defined a saccular aneurysm of the popliteal vein, which was confirmed by contrast venography. The patient underwent resection of the venous aneurysm and lateral venorrhaphy. This is the twenty-sixth report in the English-language literature of pulmonary embolism originating from a popliteal venous aneurysm, and the youngest patient to date.