Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome in a Middle-aged Woman with Low Functional Demands: A Case Report

Abstract

Case: A 44-year-old woman with no thrombotic risk factors developed vascular claudication and popliteal artery thrombosis, which worsened after starting oral contraceptives. Despite stopping the medication and successful percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, symptoms recurred. Further investigation revealed Type III popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES), confirmed by a pulse oximetry-based provocation test. Surgical release of compressive structures led to symptom resolution and restored vascular patency.

Conclusions: PAES should be considered in unexplained arterial thrombosis, with oral contraceptives as a potential exacerbating factor. Pulse oximetry-based testing offers a cost-effective diagnostic tool, and surgical decompression ensures optimal outcomes.