CYSTIC DEGENERATION OF THE POPLITEAL ARTERY.

Cystic degeneration of the poplitcal is a rare cause of intermittent claudication, most commonly affecting young adult males. The cyst is primarily adventitial, but medial necrosis, intimal damage and thrombosis may eventually occur. Evacuation of the cyst with partial excision of the wall constitutes adequate treatment of an early lesion, but in more advanced lesions, as in the case described, patch graft or replacement vein graft is required.