Hybrid treatment of a symptomatic popliteal pseudoaneurysm due to type-I endoleak after previous endovascular exclusion

Purpose: The development of endovascular repair of popliteal aneurysms has provided an alternative, minimally invasive way of treatment. We present a case of a late type-I endoleak, after previous exclusion of a popliteal pseudoaneurysm, leading to rupture and massive hematoma, which was excluded in a hybrid procedure. Case Report: A 95-year-old woman presented with progressive swelling with skin ulceration and necrosis cranial to the medial side of her left knee. Four years earlier, a left popliteal pseudoaneurysm was excluded with a stent-graft. Rupture of the popliteal artery with massive hematoma was demonstrated by ultrasound examination and a spiral computed tomography scan, with high suspicion of a type-I endoleak. Endovascular repair of the endoleak with a polytetrafluoroethylene-covered stent-graft was followed by surgical resection of the damaged skin and evacuation of the hematoma. Conclusion: Type-I endoleaks after endovascular exclusion of popliteal pseudoaneurysms do occur and may lead to rupture. A symptomatic pseudoaneurysm may be successfully treated by a hybrid procedure. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.