Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome presenting as acute limb ischemia in pregnancy

Abstract

Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome typically causes calf claudication in young active adults. Acute limb ischemia from popliteal artery thrombosis, embolization, or aneurysmal degeneration is less common. Chronic compression, histologic changes, and predisposing factors, such as vigorous exercise or hypercoagulability, play a role in these cases. We present the case of a 32-year-old pregnant woman with acute limb ischemia found to have popliteal artery thrombosis as a result of popliteal artery entrapment syndrome. Although many imaging modalities are available, pregnancy creates a unique situation in which consideration of irradiation and exposure to contrast material is important in diagnosis and treatment.