Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome evaluation with multislice CT angiography

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the use of multislice computed tomography (MCT), Doppler US, and angiography in the diagnosis of popliteal artery entrapment syndrome.Patients and methodsIn a prospective study of 26 patients referred to Doppler ultrasound examination with suspected popliteal artery entrapment syndrome, we have made Doppler study of the popliteal artery of the diseased limb using 7–10 MHz probe. Additional multislice CT angiography after bolus injection of non-ionic contrast medium (Ultravist), axial transverse sections and multiplanar reformation reconstruction images were analyzed. Conventional angiography of the diseased limb was performed with the use of pigtail catheter and injection of 60 cc Ultravist.ResultsOn 22 of 26 patients, the Doppler study revealed damped flow, biphasic waves and a dramatic decrease in peak velocity. All these signs appeared in the Doppler study of popliteal artery while retaining normal flow and waves in distal tibial vessels.When 26 patients were examined, the conventional angiography revealed sudden attenuated and decreased caliber of popliteal artery with retained average caliber of the distal run-off vessels without showing the surrounding structures.When 26 patients were examined, the CT angiography revealed decreased caliber of popliteal artery, verified the exact diameter of popliteal artery and gave an accurate idea about the wall of the vessels and the surrounding soft tissue structures. These last benefits enable us to differentiate between organic and functional causes of popliteal artery entrapment syndrome.ConclusionIn conclusion, popliteal artery entrapment syndrome can be diagnosed with the use of multislice CT which is as efficient as conventional angiography. However, multislice CT provides detailed information on the wall, diameter of the artery and relation of the artery to adjacent structures by a non-invasive technique.