Popliteal vein aneurysm presenting in a patient with cerebral infarction and patent foramen ovale: a rare case with complex thrombotic events

Popliteal vein aneurysm (PVA) is a rare yet potentially serious vascular lesion that can lead to various complications, including thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. This case study examines a 29-year-old female patient whose cerebral infarction may have resulted from a thrombus within the PVA that entered the cerebral vascular system via a patent foramen ovale (PFO). The PVA was cured by open surgery for this patient. By conducting a thorough analysis of this patient’s clinical course, this study underscores the complexity and severity associated with PVA. Although angiography is regarded as the gold standard for diagnosing PVA, pharmacologic therapy often proves ineffective in preventing the recurrence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Consequently, surgical intervention has emerged as the preferred treatment option. This paper discusses the treatment strategies for PVA, risk factors for recurrence of PVA in the context of a literature review, offer novel insights and unique perspectives regarding its diagnosis and treatment.