Diagnosis and management of a ruptured popliteal mycotic pseudoaneurysm

Abstract

Infected popliteal aneurysms are a rare but high-risk pathology that may present as a surgical emergency with acute rupture and sepsis. Management of acute ischemia in the presence of systemic sepsis is challenging and requires timely diagnosis, rapid intervention, and multidisciplinary communication to ensure an optimum outcome for both life and limb in these patients. We report on a case of a ruptured mycotic popliteal artery aneurysm as a consequence of septic embolization from infective endocarditis managed by reverse saphenous vein bypass. The clinical presentation, diagnostic process, and approach to management along with a literature review on mycotic popliteal aneurysm are presented in this case report.