Popliteal vein entrapment in patients with unspecific symptoms of venous insufficiency

: Popliteal vein entrapment must be taken in consideration in patients with symptoms of venous insufficiency. Leg edema, swelling, calf pain, and muscle cramps are all unspecific signs. Most patients thus far have presented with deep vein thrombosis or chronic venous insufficiency. Popliteal entrapment syndrome must be taken into account in younger patients in whom predisposing factors are absent and chronic calf swelling is notable. Diagnosis is easily confirmed by noninvasive stress testing with duplex imaging and pencil Doppler probe placed over the posterior tibial artery. Additionally, digital subtraction angiography with the foot in neutral and dorsi plantarflexion is recommended for arterial entrapment. Surgery is advisable for treatment and can be done without significant morbidity. In asymptomatic patients, we suggest using the term "popliteal vein entrapment phenomenon." We describe different etiologies of popliteal vein entrapment in three cases and present a review of the literature.