Pseudoaneurysm of the Popliteal Artery: A Rare Sequela of Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese technique in which needles are inserted at particular points on the body for specific therapeutic effects. Although its role in medicine is still controversial, acupuncture is in great popular demand. Various adverse effects caused by acupuncture have been documented, including pneumothorax, wound infection, septicemia, spinal lesion, retroperitoneal hematoma, and pseudoaneurysm. 1,2 Traumatic pseudoaneurysms of the popliteal artery are rare in civilian vascular surgery practices. Herein, we present a case report of a giant pseudoaneurysm of the popliteal artery as a sequela of acupuncture, and we discuss the relevant medical literature.