Management of Pseudoaneurysm as a Delayed Complication after Using Rotational Atherectomy in Popliteal Artery Atherosclerosis: A Case Report

Abstract

Although intravascular atherectomy is widely used for debulking calcified atheromas in peripheral arterial disease, it is associated with complications. Delayed rupture with pseudoaneurysm formation is rare. We report the case of a 73-year-old man who developed a 24 mm×20 mm×27 mm popliteal artery (PA) pseudoaneurysm after rotational atherectomy. Initially, the patient presented with intermittent claudication. Preoperative computed tomographic angiography (CTA) showed a severely calcified atheroma in the PA. Rotational atherectomy was performed using the Jetstream™ device (Boston Scientific). Postoperatively, the ankle-brachial index and symptoms improved. However, 6 days after the atherectomy, the patient complained of calf pain and swelling. Follow-up CTA revealed a pseudoaneurysm and hematoma in the popliteal fossa. Open conversion with removal of the heavily calcified plaque and patch angioplasty were performed via the posterior approach. Delayed PA rupture and pseudoaneurysm formation after rotational atherectomy are rare; however, they require prompt management.

Keywords

• peripheral arterial disease
• popliteal artery
• atherectomy
• aneurysm